I welcome the opportunity to speak to you at the official launch of the CARICOM Single Market. This is my first address as Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Government; and I wish to start by saying that Trinidad and Tobago is honoured and especially privileged to be in the Chair at this momentous time. We aim to do our utmost to advance the regional agenda.
Conference of Heads of Government
Today, 1st January 2006 the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) takes one of its most significant steps in the process of regional integration, as the CARICOM Single Market becomes a reality.
It is my privilege and honour that on this historic day I assume the chairmanship of the Caribbean Community until 30 June 2006 during which time Trinidad and Tobago will host the 17th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Heads of Government of the Community on the 9th and 10th of February.
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(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown)The Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at their Eleventh Special Meeting held at the Sherbourne Centre, Barbados, 7th December 2005, considered the finalisation of the arrangements for the launch of the CARICOM Single Market. |
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Your Excellencies Heads of State and Government of the Caribbean Community |
Your Excellencies Heads of State and Government of the Caribbean Community
Your Excellency Dr. Leonel Fernandez, President of the Dominican Republic
Your Excellency Edwin Carrington, Secretary General of the Caribbean Community
Your Excellency Enrique Iglesias, outgoing President of the Inter- American Development Bank
Your Excellency Dr. Jose Miguel Insulza, Secretary- General of the Organisation of American States
Distinguished Ministers
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
There is hope that our sargasso days are ending.
The promise of fresh wind turns our bow toward waiting horizons
plotting our course by our judgment of the sun
and the latitude of familiar stars.
(…Anonymous)
SALUTATIONS
It is with great satisfaction and optimism that I address you today as one of the new generation of leaders who are emerging throughout the Caribbean to take responsibility for the political, social and economic development of our Region in a rapidly changing global environment.
First, I want to thank the Government and people of Saint Lucia for welcoming us to this beautiful country, and for making the splendid arrangements for this historic Conference.
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Your Excellency, the Governor-General of Saint Lucia, Dame Pearlette Louisy |
(CARICOM Secretariat, Georgetown, Guyana) Saint Lucia’s Minister for National Security, the Honourable Calixte George, says when CARICOM Heads of Government meet in that country next weekend, they will be considering a number of recommendations from Regional Security Ministers, aimed at curbing the increasing levels of crime that has recently been affecting the Region.
Your Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo, President of Guyana
Colleague Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community
Your Excellency Ricardo Lagos, President of Chile
Your Excellency Madam Jagan