Grenada's Prime Minister, Dr. the Hon. Keith Mitchell has taken over as Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), on completion of the term served by Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Rt. Hon. Percival Patterson.
His first major undertaking was the initiation of a CARICOM Mission of eminent persons to mediate in the dispute arising out of the December 15 elections in Guyana.
The CARICOM Chairman will host the Community's 9th Inter-sessional Meeting scheduled for March 2-3.
We have come to Guyana on the initiative of the Caribbean Community as stated in the Press Release of 8 January 1998 by the Community's current Chairman, Prime Minister Mitchell of Grenada. Also, as there stated, we have come with the specific concurrence of the two main political parties in Guyana - and we hope as well with the support of all political and other elements of Guyanese society.
Prime Minister Dr. Keith Mitchell, in his capacity as Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), following a meeting today with CARICOM Secretary General Edwin Carrington, has expressed grave concern over reports from Guyana regarding the state of social unrest and the resulting disruption to the private and public lives of citizens, as well as the effects of the situation on the economic and social life of other Caribbean States. He gave a commitment to have the issue fully discussed and analysed within the Region.
The Caribbean Community has lost one of its most distinguished sons with the passing of the Guyanese-born poet Martin Carter.
The death of this towering literary figure has left his family, country and Region much the poorer. Significantly Martin Carter achieved his stature and fame without leaving his place of birth. Indeed it is primarily through his deep involvement in the life of his country and his chronicling of its social and political character through the poet's eyes that his well-deserved reputation was built and maintained.
It is with deep regret that the Community has learnt of the death of Guyanese born Sir Lionel Alfred Luckhoo QC CBE. An outstanding member of a family with a longstanding legal tradition, Sir Lionel carved his own niche in legal history by earning the acknowledgement as the most successful criminal lawyer with regard to acquittals in murder cases.
The Caribbean Community Secretariat and the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce will mount a joint Ministerial/Private Sector Trade and Investment Mission to Southern Africa. The Caribbean Export Development Agency is collaborating in the organisation of the Mission that is scheduled for January 26-30, 1998.
Today's children will be tomorrow's leaders. How often we hear these words or repeat them ourselves. This year, World Aids Day is being observed under the theme "Children Living in a World with AIDS". As we grapple with the myriad social and economic problems confronting our region and their effects on the most vulnerable groups, let us reflect on the reality of HIV/AIDS and its effect on our children.
Brazil has endorsed the candidature of Barbadian-born CARICOM national Sir George Alleyne for the post of Director General of the World Health Organisation.
Ambassador of Brazil to Guyana His Excellency Claudio Lyra conveyed his country's intention to Deputy Secretary General of CARICOM Dr Carla Barnett during a courtesy call at the CARICOM Headquarters on Friday last, November 28, 1997.
In a diplomatic note to DSG Barnett, Ambassador Lyra underlined the importance his country attaches to the selection of the candidature.
CARICOM Secretary General Mr Edwin Carrington yesterday expressed concern at the recent spate of incidents involving the imposition of heavy fines by CARICOM States on fishermen from other CARICOM States caught fishing in their waters.
Without challenging the legal basis of these actions, the Secretary General is concerned that the problem is one which is not likely to strengthen friendly relations among CARICOM States and certainly not among their peoples.
The Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community Mr Edwin Carrington has extended congratulations to Jamaica on their historic achievement of qualifying for the 1998 World Cup Finals in France.
Following is the text of the Secretary-General's message_
The Caribbean Community extends its heartiest congratulations to the Jamaican people on the achievement of their magnificent soccer team. The entire Caribbean Community celebrates this unprecedented achievement.