This Ceremony for the Signing of two Agreements between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Federal Republic of Germany presents a timely opportunity to acknowledge the contribution of the Federal Republic of Germany to a number of developmental initiatives in the Region, including, but not restricted to, the building of regional capacity through the replenishment of the Study and Expert Fund and the provision of timely and well tailored assistance to stem the tide of the HIV/AIDS epidemic.

(CARICOM Secretariat, Georgetown) Relations between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Canada will be bolstered in the areas of crime and security cooperation, transportation and social development, with these areas identified for further discussion and priority attention by Canada's High Commissioner and Plenipotentiary Representative to CARICOM, His Excellency Bruno Picard.

Your Excellency Bruno Picard, High Commissioner and Plenipotentiary Representative of Canada to the Caribbean Community;
Deputy Secretary General;
Representatives of the Canadian High Commission;
Members of the Media;
Members of Staff of the Secretariat

Ms. Thecla Deterville, President of the Saint Lucia Chamber of Commerce, Industry and Agriculture
Mr. Brian Louisy, Executive Director of the Chamber
Other Members of the Chamber's Management Committee
Other Members of the Chamber
Members of the Media
Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen