His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo, President of the Republic of Guyana
His Excellency, Runaldo R. Venetiaan President of the Republic of Suriname and Chairman of the Caribbean Community
Other Heads of State and Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community
His Excellency Ricardo Lagos Escobar, President of the Republic of Chile
Prime Minister Samuel Hinds Ministers of Government Mr Speaker and Members of Parliament Ambassador Tatsuo Arima, Special Envoy of the Government of Japan
Other members of the Diplomatic Corps
Member
Excellencies
Today, we gather to inaugurate the CARICOM Secretariat Headquarters Building at Liliendaal. This is indeed a proud moment for all Guyanese, especially for me as it represents the fulfilling of a promise made more than 30 years ago when the regional integration process began. The event must certainly rank among the more significant occasions in the life of our integration movement.
Acknowledgements
Salutations
The formal opening of the Headquarters of the Community in this rich and diverse land is a particularly touching occasion for me personally. I had to be here. I am honoured that I have the privilege to speak to this august gathering.
It is a moment filled with nostalgia but I must resist the temptation simply to indulge in fond reminiscence.
Secretary General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), His Excellency Mr. Edwin Carrington was officially handed the keys to the Headquarters of the CARICOM Secretariat this morning during a ceremony held on the grounds of the facilities at Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown.
(CARICOM Secretariat, Georgetown, Guyana) The themes of economic cooperation, unity and strengthening of the economic base of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) came to the fore as the Sixteenth Inter-Sessional Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government opened in Paramaribo, Suriname on Wednesday February 16.
Your Excellencies Heads of State and Government of the Caribbean Community, Your Excellency Luiz Ignácio Lula da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, Your Excellency Mr. Jules Rattankoemar Ajodhia, Vice-President of Suriname, Your Excellency Mr.
President of the Republic of Suriname Ministers of Foreign Affairs Excellencies Officials Ladies and Gentlemen
This afternoon I have had the honour and the pleasure of signing An Agreement for the Deepening of Bilateral Cooperation between the Government of Barbados and the Government of the Republic of Suriname. It is the hope of the Government and people of Barbados that through this Agreement we can strengthen ties at the official level and equally improve relations at the people to people level between our two societies.
(CARICOM Secretariat, Georgetown, Guyana) On Saturday, 19 February 2005 Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will assemble in Guyana for the opening of the CARICOM Secretariat Headquarters Building. In addition to the Community's Chairman and President of Suriname, His Excellency Drs. Ronald Runaldo Venetiaan and Guyana's President His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo, a number of other officials will be in Guyana for the historic event. The Secretary-General of the Community His Excellency Mr.
(CARICOM Secretariat, Georgetown, Guyana) The transformation of the Region's agriculture sector and discussions on the future and present threats to the sugar industry being among the matters deliberated on by CARICOM Heads of Government at their 16th Inter-Sessional Meeting in Suriname.
His Excellency Drs. Runaldo Venetiaan, President of the Republic Of Suriname and Chairman of the Caribbean Community;
Other Distinguished Heads of State and Government of Member States of the Caribbean Community;
His Excellency Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil;
Honourable Ministers of Government;
Speaker and Members of Parliament;
Heads of International and Regional Organisations;
Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Distinguished Delegates;
Distinguished Guests;