CARICOM under my Chairmanship has been deeply involved in the search for a solution to the political crisis in Haiti.
Following the departure of former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide a new President has taken the Oath of Office.
Statements and Declarations
It is a pleasure to join in welcoming you to this opening ceremony. which will signal the start of a three-part training programme in Project Development and Project Management being conducted within the Organisational Development (OD) component of the CIDA-funded CARICOM Capacity Development Programme (CCDP).
I am delighted at the interest shown in these workshops; it is obviously an indication that the Secretariat staff realises the importance of the skills you will derive from this training.
Hon. Julian Hunte President of the United Nations General Assembly and (UNGA) Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Civil Aviation of Saint Lucia
Colleague Ministers
Secretary-General
Delegates
Members of the Media
Ladies and Gentlemen
CARICOM Heads of Government met on 2 and 3 March 2004 in Kingston, Jamaica, in an emergency session to consider the situation in Haiti.
The Heads of Government expressed dismay and alarm over the events leading to the departure from office by President Aristide and the ongoing political upheaval and violence in Haiti. They called for the immediate return to democratic rule and respect for the Constitution of Haiti.
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has been following with deep concern the reports out of Haiti that armed groups opposing the continued presidency of Mr. Jean Bertrand Aristide have taken control of several towns including Gonaïves and St Marc. The accompanying violence has caused the death of a number of persons including policemen.
SALUTATIONS!
I have always felt particular pleasure in participating in any activity that involves our young people and today is no exception. The age range makes it all the more pleasing as the competitions’ age range encompasses youngsters from eight to sixteen ensuring participation from both the primary and secondary schools in the Community.
Hon. Marcus Bethel, Minister of Health and the Environment
Hon. Ministers
Amb. Anwarul Chowdhury, Secretary-General of the Mauritius Conference
Distinguished Delegates
Ladies and Gentlemen
Permit me firstly, to join with the previous speakers in expressing sincere thanks and appreciation to the Government and People of The Bahamas, for hosting this meeting. There is no need for me to stress how important the subject of our deliberations is. My comments will be brief and to the point.
The Governments of the United States of America and of the Caribbean nations of Antigua and Barbuda, the Commonwealth of the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, the Commonwealth of Dominica, the Dominican Republic, Grenada, the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, the Republic of Haiti, Jamaica, the Federation of Saint Christopher and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, the Republic of Suriname, and the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago pledge to strengthen our cooperation in responding to global and hemispheric challenges in a spirit of partnership and mutual respect.
The Caribbean Community is shocked and deeply saddened by the sudden death of the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, the Hon. Pierre Charles and who also served as Lead Head of Government with responsibility for Labour, including the movement of skills within the Community.
It is with mixed feelings that I take part in this very important ceremony today. Mixed feelings because as you all know earlier this week there was the unfortunate passing of the Honourable Pierre Charles, the late Prime Minister of Dominica, on Tuesday, 6 January. Mixed feelings because today, I have the privilege and honour to sign, on behalf of CARIFORUM, a Financing Agreement, which provides for financial support valued at 11.95 Million Euro for Air Access Improvement for Dominica.