Statements and Declarations

Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) met in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, for the Tenth Special Meeting 8-9 November 2004, pursuant to the decision of the Conference at its Twenty-Fifth Regular Meeting at Grand Anse, Grenada in July 2004 to convene a Special Meeting to discuss progress towards the establishment of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), including realising the Single Market targets by 2005.

As Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), I take note that this year UNAIDS Day is dedicated to the problem of HIV/AIDS particularly as it affects women and girls. This focus is most appropriate since it reminds us that our women and girls, especially those between the ages of 15-24, are among the most vulnerable to the disease.

The Caribbean Community mourns the passing of one of its pioneer sons, Sir Kenneth Standard, Professor Emeritus (Community Health) of the University of the West Indies (UWI) at the age of 82.

Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Rex Nettleford, remembering Sir Kenneth, recalled that in 1948 this young Barbadian, already a headmaster in his native island journeyed to Mona, Jamaica to become one of the now famous "first 33" students to walk through the doors of the new the University College of the West Indies (UCWI) Faculty of Medicine.

Mr. Chairman, thank you for affording me the opportunity to speak today on Belize's fulfillment of its Quasi-Cabinet responsibility as it relates to sustainable development issues within the Region.

CARICOM Heads of Government meeting in Grand Anse, Grenada at their Twenty-Fifth Meeting continued their consideration of the humanitarian, political, social and economic situation in Haiti following the departure of President Aristide on 29 February 2004. Central to their consideration were issues related to the representation of Haiti within the Community and the review of the modalities for engagement between the Community and the Haitian Interim Administration, for the benefit of the Haitian people.

Mr. Chairman, thank you for affording me the opportunity to speak today on Belize's fulfillment of its Quasi-Cabinet responsibility as it relates to sustainable development issues within the Region.

Their Excellencies Sir Daniel Williams, Governor- General of Grenada and Lady Gloria Williams
His Excellency President Bharrat Jagdeo, President of Guyana
His Excellency President Runaldo Venetiaan, President of Suriname
Dr. The Right Honourable Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada and Chairman of CARICOM and Mrs. Mitchell
Other Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community
Heads of Associate Members of the Caribbean Community
His Excellency Edwin Carrington, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community

Fellow citizens of the Caribbean Community, on July 4 2004 we celebrate CARICOM Day, marking the 31st Anniversary of our integration movement. We are doing so fully cognizant that our Community at this time continues to face tough challenges, but equally aware that there are many exciting new possibilities for us opening up in our Region, our hemisphere and in the globalised world.

IDB Representative Mr. Sergio Varas
Members of Staff of IDB
Members of Staff of the CARICOM Secretariat
Members of the Press
Ladies and Gentlemen

Let me take this opportunity on behalf on the Community and the Pan Caribbean Partnership (PANCAP) to express my deepest appreciation to the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for providing support to the HIV/AIDS Programme.