independence

“The People of Trinidad and Tobago should be proud of their outstanding achievements, and of the indelible contributions to the Caribbean region and the world.” – CARICOM Secretary-General

CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett, has extended “hearty congratulations” to the government and people of Trinidad and Tobago on the occasion of that country’s 60th independence anniversary on Wednesday, 31 August.

CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque has congratulated Haiti on its 213th anniversary as an Independent nation, saying the country’s liberation was a catalyst for independence for other countries in Latin America and later, of the Caribbean.

Haiti gained its independence on 1 January 1804 after a hard fought anti-slavery and anti-colonial battle against the French colonisers.  It became a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) on 1 July 2002.

Barbados’ contributions to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have produced positive dividends, CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque said, in marking the Member State’s golden jubilee of independence. 

In a message of congratulations to the government and people of Barbados, Ambassador LaRocque said the Community would not be what it is today without the steady and sterling industry of Barbados.

 As Suriname marks its 41st Anniversary of Independence, CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque has lauded the country’s tremendous strides since attaining nationhood.

In his congratulatory message to His Excellency Desiré Bouterse, President of the  Dutch-speaking CARICOM Member State, the Secretary-General  noted the global respect Suriname has earned through its sports, culture and academic excellence.

The Caribbean Community has extended congratulations to The Bahamas on the occasion of its 43rd anniversary of Independence celebrated on 10 July, 2016.

In a message to Prime Minister  the Right Hon. Perry Christie, CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque said that The Bahamas was a valued member of the Community. He also praised The Bahamas for its socio-economic, democratic and political accomplishments

Please see full message_

Georgetown, Guyana – (May 26, 2016)President David Granger, who is Chancellor of the Orders of Guyana, today, conferred Prime Minister of Barbados, the Right Honourable Freundel Stuart with the insignia of the Order of Roraima, Guyana’s second highest National Award. The investiture ceremony was held at State House.

Saint Lucia has made a sterling contribution to the Region’s effort towards coordinated, balanced and integrated action required to ensure the survival of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) with the threat that climate change poses.

This sentiment was expressed in a message from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)  to the Hon. Dr. Kenny Anthony, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, on the occasion of the country’s 37th Independence Anniversary on 22 February, 2016.

The people of Belize have shown great determination and belief in a better future as they strive to build their nation.

The theme of this milestone Anniversary “Belize Renewed, Confident, Competitive, and Committed” reflects the passion in the heart of Belizeans for their homeland.

CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque in a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Hon. Dean Barrow of Belize on his country’s 34th Anniversary of Independence.

Full Message_

“Honourable Prime Minister_

(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana)     A two-day High Level Meeting on the Rights of Persons Living with Disabilities and Special Needs began in Haiti on Thursday. It is expected to conclude with the signing of the Declaration of Port-au-Prince which should outline a strategy for International Cooperation as it relates to persons living with disabilities and special needs in the Caribbean.