Salutations.
It is again a great pleasure to be in Guyana, and particularly so during the celebration of the 36th anniversary of Independence. On behalf of all of us I congratulate the Government and People of Guyana on this important national milestone, and further express sincere appreciation for the warm hospitality that has been extended to us.
Colleague Ministers, we meet at a critical juncture in Regional and global affairs. Developments are taking place in the trade and economic arena that demand our most urgent and careful attention.