Member

CARICOM Heads of Government will be meeting in Castries, Saint Lucia, on the 13-14 November 2003, at their Ninth Special Meeting, to deliberate on issues arising from the Twenty-Fourth Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, held in Jamaica in July of this year.

The Meeting is being viewed as an opportunity for taking stock of the progress made on the issues discussed at the last Conference and for giving fillip and direction to the work to facilitate the earliest possible conclusion.

The meeting involving the Government of Montserrat, the Caribbean Community Secretariat and United Kingdom Government representatives ended in Montserrat today reaffirming their commitment to Montserrat's continued participation in CARICOM and its organs.

The two-day talks were undertaken in a spirit of friendship with all agreeing to move forward together in harmony to accomplish the objective of ensuring Montserrat's continued full membership in CARICOM.

(Presented by Dr. Edward Greene, Assistant Secretary-General,
Human and Social Development, CARICOM Secretariat)

It is my pleasure to welcome you all on behalf of the Directorate of Human and Social Development. Our Directorate has worked assiduously over the past year to support the flagship activity of the Community, which is the accelerated implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. Many of the activities in which we have been engaged are being discussed at this meeting.

It was with profound sadness that the Caribbean Community learnt of the passing of the Honourable George Odlum, former Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade of Saint Lucia, on Sunday, 28 September 2003.

Export of sugar to Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago was the subject of separate and successful bilateral discussions between Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation of Guyana Clement Rohee and his counterparts from the two sister CARICOM countries, K.D Knight of Jamaica and Kenneth Valley of Trinidad and Tobago. These discussions took place during the just concluded Special meeting of the CARICOM Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), which took place in Georgetown, Guyana, 1-4 September 2003.

"I know we will die
    Our relevance will die
    If we do not move…..
    …beyond this step”
            - nala

SALUTATIONS

I came to talk of technology, and have brought none, because we still sit on the crossroads!

Change is nothing new. Advent of new technology only signaled yet another change through which our art and culture have further opportunity to grow, be promoted… and be traded. How do we manage the mighty continents of mind and memory to harness technology potential for arts and culture in the Caribbean?

Salutations_

The juncture of the celebration of CARIFESTA VIII here in Suriname, and the 30th Anniversary year of the Caribbean Community, is an ideal time for the CARICOM Secretariat and our private sector partner, TELESUR to join resources in exploring the rich potential of mind, technology and the impact on art and culture in the Caribbean. Certainly, there is no better time and no more suitable place for this event to be taking place.

Your Excellency the President of Suriname and Mrs Venetiaan-Vanenburg
The Vice-President of Suriname
Speaker of the National Assembly
Honourable Ministers
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Distinguished Artists
Participants
Members of the Media
Ladies and Gentlemen

The Caribbean Community salutes you on winning the 100 metres event at the World Track and Field Championships in Paris, France - the greatest achievement of your career so far.

Your success has shown the world that a country’s size has no bearing on the potential and quality of its citizens. It is a shining example of what our Region can achieve with dedication, hard work and focus. You have made your country, St Kitts and Nevis, and our entire Caribbean Community proud.

As Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community, I extend heartiest congratulations to you.