GEORGETOWN, Guyana – The President of Guyana, Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has lauded the regional body, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), saying it has grown exponentially over the past years, and has reaped continuous success on the global scale in various areas.
President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali along with Caricom Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett and author of ‘Caribbean Perspective’ Sandra Ann BaptisteAli was speaking on Wednesday evening during the book launch of ‘Caribbean Perspective’ written by long-standing journalist, Sandra Ann Baptiste.
Delivering the feature address at the Cheddi Jagan Research Centre here, Ali noted that the book which outlines three decades of inter-regional development of CARICOM, shows how much work has been, and will continue to be put into the union.
“We are leading on climate in the global conversation. We are leading on forest in the global conversation and [on] finance. On peace, we are leading the conversation, and on reparative justice. Recently, we have found ourselves in the excellent position of ensuring, what many leaders in the past spoke of, that this region remains a region of democratic credentials,” the President said.
The CARICOM chairman further encouraged his members to conduct and impose upon themselves the decision-making framework that will allow the body to continuously and permanently operate in an efficient manner.
He added that CARICOM each day gets closer to its goal of closely linking its member states either by way of transportation with the ongoing ferry service between Guyana, Barbados, and Trinidad and Tobago, or the removal of trade barriers, and the common food security goals.
Ali also assured that the body will not be left behind as he will ensure that CARICOM works collectively to foster success.
“I want to say very clearly that there is no other option to succeed and win. CARICOM will not lose and CARICOM will not be left behind. As a collective, we are going to confront the challenges of the past and the present. We are going to overcome those challenges and we are going to position CARICOM as the strongest block.”
Meanwhile, Baptiste, in delivering remarks, said the work chronicled over the past three decades of the community’s rich experiences with regional integration. She explained that it also describes the concomitant challenges faced with unity within the union, and deals with very important topics within the bloc.
She also said it is a breathtaking take on her life and journey following the development of CARICOM. She then read excerpts of the book which was gifted to the attendees at the ceremony.
At the ceremony were the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Hugh Todd and members of Diplomatic Corps. CARICOM Secretary General, Dr Carla Barnett, members of CARICOM and other invitees were also present.
