I am honored to be appointed as the CARICOM Advocate for Gender Justice. Gender is about both men and women and it is fitting that this initiative is launched on March 8th, International Day of Women. This may seem to be a contradiction, but it is not. Women have always been in the forefront of the struggle for equality, justice and peace for all. However, because of gender inequality, their contribution is often neither recognized nor remembered. How many of you present today know of the work of our own Claudia Jones?
Speeches
My colleagues and I are deeply distressed at the news of what appears to be a very powerful 7.0 earthquake that struck our neighbour Haiti this afternoon.
Our information is that the anticipated threat of a tsunami affecting The Bahamas and other neighbouring states has apparently diminished but there may be some high tides as a result of the earthquake.
We have not yet received any reliable reports of loss of life or damage to property but it is to be expected that the impact of such a powerful earthquake would be severe.
|
Let me first of all take this opportunity on behalf of the Heads of Government and other delegates of CARICOM to express our sincere appreciation to His Excellency Felipe Calderon for the warm, Caribbean welcome that we have received here in Cancun. I have the edge over my fellow CARICOM colleagues having arrived here a few days earlier than they did, and have therefore enjoyed an extra serving of Mexican hospitality and warmth. |
|
Chair of COTED Honourable Clifford Marica, Minister of Trade and Industry of Suriname Hon Carolyn Rodrigues-Berkett, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Guyana Other Hon. Ministers of Government Their Excellencies/Ambassadors to the Caribbean Community Other Heads of Delegation Representatives of Regional and International organizations |
|
|
|
|
Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica and the Chairman of the Conference, Honourable Roosevelt Skerrit
His Excellency, Drs. Runaldo Venetiaan, President of Suriname and Lead Head of Government with responsibility for Youth, Culture Sport and Gender Development |
|
His Excellency Edwin Carrington, Secretary-General of CARICOM, Honourable Ministers of regional governments, CARICOM youth ambassadors, youth reps, members of the CARICOM Commission on Youth Development (CCYD), other officials, my brothers and sisters good day & greetings from Montserrat.
I must first join in the sentiments that others have expressed by extending commendations to the members of the |
|
Salutations
I congratulate the Board of the Jamaica Stock Exchange (JSE) and its General Manager, Mrs. Marlene Street-Forrest for organizing what portends to be a most exciting Conference.
The timing is opportune as the Caribbean struggles for survival in a changed and most uncertain global economic environment and as the international community struggles to help Haiti rebuild after the devastating earthquake of January 12, 2010.
I consider this Conference to be both visionary and timely.
|
|
|
|
Ladies and Gentlemen_
We live in an age when to be young and to be indifferent can be no longer synonymous. We must prepare for the coming hour. The claims of the future are represented by suffering millions; and the youth of a Nation are the trustees of Posterity. (hier een wat zwaardere stem dan de normale stem) |
|
|
|
|
Honourable Patrick Simmons, Minister of Youth Empowerment, Culture and Sport of Grenada and Chairman of the Council for Human and Social Development of the Caribbean Community;
Honourable Ministers; Honourable Jermaine Wade, Parliamentary Secretary for Youth Affairs, Community Services and Sports, Montserrat |