“Allow me to take a moment to honour the memory of Rickey Singh, the esteemed Guyana-born journalist whose fearless, incisive reporting shaped Caribbean discourse for over six decades.
“Mr. Singh passed away recently in Barbados, leaving behind a legacy of courage, integrity, and unwavering commitment to regional unity and press freedom. We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and colleagues in Caribbean journalism,” Prime Minister Holness said.
Dr Holness paid tribute to Mr. Singh at the press conference, which marked the end of the Forty-ninth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
The CARICOM Secretariat had issued a Message of Condolence on the passing of Mr. Singh. Please read the message here.
]]>The Meeting’s Opening Ceremony will take place in the afternoon of Wednesday 19 February at the Lord Erskine Sandiford Centre, Bridgetown. Scheduled to deliver addresses are the Chairman, Hon. Mia Amor Mottley of Barbados; outgoing Chairman, Hon. Dickon Mitchell of Grenada; the new Premier of Montserrat, Hon. Reuben T. Meade, and CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett. Special Guests, Secretary-General of the United Nations, H.E. Mr. António Guterres and the President of the European Commission, H.E. Ms. Ursula von der Leyen will also address the Ceremony.
Prime Minister Mottley, the new Chair, set the tone for CARICOM’s focus over the next six months in her New Year’s message when she highlighted the need for the Community to resume the full implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, conscious that it “is not merely an economic agenda, but a vision of unity and opportunity for small states to achieve greater economic resilience”. Central to the focus on the CSME is the full realisation of the free movement of CARICOM nationals, which, according to Prime Minister Mottley “is essential for unlocking the true potential of the people and economies of the Community”.
The business sessions of the Meeting, 20-21 February, will be held at the Wyndham Grand Barbados – Sam Lords Castle in St Philip.
—
Additional information for the media:
- Members of the media who wish to be present in person for the Meeting, are asked to complete the accreditation process. The deadline for accreditation is 10 February 2025.
- The opening ceremony will be streamed live on CARICOM’s social media platforms. Details re: broadcast will be communicated in a subsequent advisory.
- A media centre will be established at the venue of the Meeting for accredited media professionals.
- A webpage caricom.org/48hgc with details related to the 48th Regular Meeting, is being finalised and will be live by 10 February 2025.
Additional updates will be provided via subsequent advisories.
]]>Prime Minister Mitchell, Chair of CARICOM, and lead Head of Government with responsibility for Science and Technology in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet, made the call while delivering the keynote address at the Connected Caribbean Summit in Miami, Florida, 10 December.
The theme of his address was ‘Action Time – Accelerating Caribbean Integration and Development’ in which he reflected on the “transformative potential of digital technology in the Caribbean”, highlighted the challenges the Region faces and offered recommendations to create a resilient, digitally transformed Caribbean Community.
“The digital revolution presents a golden opportunity. Technology doesn’t just connect us—it empowers us. It allows us to innovate, collaborate, and overcome the constraints of geography and size. Imagine a Caribbean where every citizen has access to affordable, high-speed internet, where essential services are mobile and efficient, and where regional hubs drive innovation in agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. These aren’t distant dreams—they are within our grasp if we act boldly and decisively,” Prime Minister Mitchell said.
Please read the Prime Minister’s speech below:
Good afternoon, distinguished guests, esteemed colleagues, and friends.
It is both an honour and a privilege to stand before you today at The Connected Caribbean Summit 2024. This gathering of minds and hearts represents a powerful statement of belief in the promise of our region. I extend my warmest greetings to all of you—business and public sector leaders, tech partners, investors, innovators, policymakers, and dreamers—who have gathered here with a shared vision for a better future. Each of you carries a piece of the Caribbean’s future, and I am deeply honoured to share this moment with you.
This summit represents a significant platform for collaboration, and it is through our collective efforts that we can truly embody the theme of this conference: “Collaborating for Caribbean Solutions.” Collaboration is more than working together—it’s about combining strengths, bridging differences, and moving forward as one. And solutions—real, actionable solutions—are what our people need.
As we embark on this journey together, I want to take a moment to reflect on the transformative potential of digital technology in the Caribbean. I recall the experience during Hurricane Beryl when communication was severely disrupted. It was the innovative deployment of Starlink technology that allowed us to maintain connectivity and coordinate our response efforts. This experience serves as a powerful reminder of how digital solutions can bridge gaps, empower resilience, and provide hope in times of crisis.
The Reality We Face
My friends, the challenges before us are formidable, but so too is our resolve. For decades, we have aspired to regional integration. Yet, in many ways, we remain fragmented—economically, socially, and politically.
The barriers are all too familiar:
- Climate change continues to ravage our shores while we scramble for resources to rebuild.
- Cybersecurity threats emerge as our economies digitize, yet we remain fragmented in our defences.
- Social inequities persist, leaving too many of our people on the margins of opportunity.
These challenges are not abstract—they are real, and they deeply impact the lives of our people. When a hurricane destroys a family’s home in Grenada, when a young girl in St. Kitts and Nevis is denied meaningful access to the Internet she needs for her education, or when a business in Trinidad and Tobago struggles because of ineffective and outdated trade policies, these are not just policy issues. These are the lived realities of our people.
And yet, within these challenges lies immense opportunity. The Caribbean has always been resilient, resourceful, and visionary. But resilience alone is not enough anymore. We must move from merely surviving to thriving.
Harnessing Digital Transformation and Collective Power
The digital revolution presents a golden opportunity. Technology doesn’t just connect us—it empowers us. It allows us to innovate, collaborate, and overcome the constraints of geography and size. Imagine a Caribbean where every citizen has access to affordable, high-speed internet, where essential services are mobile and efficient, and where regional hubs drive innovation in agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing. These aren’t distant dreams—they are within our grasp if we act boldly and decisively.
During Hurricane Beryl, we witnessed the power of digital solutions when Starlink technology enabled critical communication in the aftermath of the storm. Such moments underscore the transformative potential of technology when leveraged effectively.
What Will It Take to Harness Digital Technology?
To harness digital technology effectively and accelerate regional integration, we must address four critical realities:
- Collaboration with the Private Sector: Governments cannot keep pace with the rapid advancements in technology alone. Successful initiatives, like Planet’s satellite imagery which allowed us to expedite the damage assessments needed after Hurricane Beryl to unlock multilateral relief funding and Jamaica’s J-SRAT (Systemic Risk Assessment Tool) system for climate resilient infrastructure planning, highlight the importance of public-private partnerships.
- Supportive Regulatory Environments: The slow pace of regulatory change and duplication of regulatory requirements across our many islands often impedes progress. We must streamline processes to create a fertile ground for innovation and digital transformation.
- Infrastructure Investments: Robust digital infrastructure is essential. Strategic investments and partnerships are crucial to supporting the digital economy we envision.
Ladies and gentlemen, critical to everything I have outlined so far is an issue that is both vital for our region’s progress and deeply personal to me—Digital Skills Development. The importance of equipping our people with the tools to thrive in a digital world cannot be overstated. The global job market is transforming, and the demand for digital competencies is growing rapidly across every sector. Yet, our education systems have struggled to keep pace with these shifts, leaving too many of our young people unprepared for the opportunities of tomorrow.
We cannot afford to allow this gap to persist. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that our youth are equipped with the skills they need to succeed in the digital economy. This is why, as Chair of CARICOM, I have made digital skills development a central pillar of our regional digital transformation agenda.
To this end, we will be establishing a CARICOM Digital Skills Fund, which will support a wide range of training initiatives across the region. In Grenada we have already launched a CyberNations pilot program, along with other collaborative initiatives aimed at advancing digital skills and innovation. In Grenada, we are spearheading the development of a Centre of Excellence for Digital Skills and Artificial Intelligence, which will serve as a hub for training, research, and innovation—a place where the Caribbean can lead in shaping the future of technology.
This journey is not limited to our youth. It is imperative that our leaders also embrace digital transformation. To that end, I have proposed an AI Experts Roundtable next year, to engage directly with CARICOM Heads of Government. This initiative will ensure that our leadership is prepared to navigate the complexities of artificial intelligence and leverage its potential for the benefit of our societies.
Finally, let us celebrate the remarkable achievements of young Caribbean innovators and entrepreneurs who are already making waves in the digital space. Their vision, creativity, and success are a testament to the boundless potential of our region. They inspire us all to push forward, united in our mission to build a digitally empowered Caribbean.
This version strikes a balance between gravitas and inspiration, while emphasising your leadership and vision.
The Wider Digital Transformation Agenda
My CARICOM Digital Transformation agenda focuses on four additional areas critical to our digital transformation:
- Cybersecurity: As cybercrime becomes a growing threat, collaboration among governments, businesses, and international partners is vital. The establishment of a regional cybersecurity alert system, led by IMPACS, will be an important a step forward. This initiative emphasizes cross-border coordination among governments, businesses, and international partners.
- Artificial Intelligence: Responsible AI use is key to the future. Plans to establish an AI Centre of Excellence in Grenada aim to support research and ethical AI applications across the region.
- CARICOM E-Payment Platform: We have been pursuing interoperable payments systems in the region for some time, with frankly inadequate progress given its value to trade and economic facilitation. The e-payment initiative under design represents more than a financial tool, it is a symbol of our shared vision for a digitally empowered Caribbean. By enabling seamless cross-border transactions, it will foster trade, enhance efficiency, and reduce dependence on external financial networks. Harmonising regulatory frameworks is essential to secure operations and prepare for a digital economic future.
- Digital Health: We will be developing a CARICOM Digital Health Strategy to look at how to utilise technology to reshape how we deliver and access healthcare across CARICOM. Telemedicine, for example, holds significant promise to expand specialist services across countries and to expand the available market for our specialists in the region. This strategy is not just about healthcare, it is about building a healthier, stronger, and more unified CARICOM for generations to come. Together, we will lead the way in creating a digital health ecosystem that sets a global standard for innovation and equity.
A Call to Action
So, how do we turn these conversations into commitments and commitments into action? By focusing on a few imperatives:
- Collaborate Boldly: Build partnerships that go beyond the ordinary. Work across borders and sectors to transform lives. Collaborate on CARICOM’s Digital Skills training programs and invest in initiatives that empower our youth.
- Innovate Fearlessly: Embrace digital technology as a tool for solutions, not a source of fear.
- Act Accountably: Hold ourselves to the highest standards and ensure that promises made today become the realities of tomorrow.
I urge all of you to support initiatives such as the Digital Skills Fund and future AI Centre of Excellence. These hubs will be instrumental in fostering talent, innovation, and collaboration across the Caribbean and will catalyse the transformation we envision.
Conclusion
Distinguished delegates, the time for action is now. Together, we can create a digitally transformed Caribbean that is resilient, vibrant, and thriving. Let us harness the collective power of our shared vision to build a brighter, more connected future.
Thank you. Let’s get to work.
About the Connected Caribbean Summit
The Connected Caribbean Summit is a premier regional conference designed to foster dialogue and promote collaboration on digital transformation and development issues across the Caribbean. The summit brings together diverse stakeholders to address the region’s unique challenges and capitalize on opportunities for sustainable growth.
]]>Prime Minister Mitchell is the lead Head of Government for Science and Technology in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet. He will chair the meeting as the Community advances the digital resilience strategic framework approved by the Conference of Heads of Government at their 47th Regular Meeting from 28-30 July 2024. The framework focuses on digital integration, infrastructure and connectivity, skills workforce development and capacity-building, government, e-services and sectors, and the policy regulatory environment.
On Tuesday 26 November, Member State officials and ICT lead agencies laid the groundwork for the Special Meeting. Discussions at this virtual preparatory meeting of officials, focused on the implementation of the CARICOM Single ICT Space Roadmap and Integrated Workplan; coordination and representation of the Region at international forums related to digital development; shaping strategies for 2025 and beyond, taking into account the speed of development in the digital arena; enhancing digital skills in the Region; improving connectivity; and finalising a cyber resilient strategy.
In remarks at the opening of the preparatory meeting, Amb. David Prendergast, Director, Sectoral Programmes at the CARICOM Secretariat, indicated that attention to those matters will ensure continued progress toward a robust CARICOM Single ICT Space and broader digital transformation goals.
“Together, through strategic collaboration and decisive action, we can ensure that ICT continues to illuminate the path to CARICOM’s progress”, Amb. Prendergast said.
The 111th Special Meeting of the COTED will be convened virtually.
]]>He issued the call on Wednesday, 13 November, in his address at the Leaders’ Summit of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) on Climate Change at the Twenty-Ninth Meeting of the Conference of Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP 29) in Baku, Azerbaijan.
“So we can find trillions to fight wars; we can find trillions to fight the climate crisis,” he said at the Summit.
Listen to his address:
His Excellency Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana
First Vice President and Prime Minister of Guyana
Prime Minister of St. Vincent & the Grenadines
Distinguished members of the Cabinet of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana
Other distinguished Cabinet ministers from CARICOM
Secretary-General of CARICOM
The children of Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal
Son in law of Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Citizens of Guyana, the Region and the world.
I deliver this brief tribute to Sir Shridath “Sonny” Ramphal in my capacity of Chairman of CARICOM and as Prime Minister of Grenada, Carriacou and Petite Martinique.
As I reflect on the life of Sir Shridath, whom we all in the Caribbean called “Sonny”, affectionately—a most distinguished son of our Region, I am reminded of the words of the esteemed prophet Khalil Gibran who wrote:
“I slept and I dreamed that life is all joy.
I woke and I saw that life is all service.
I served and I saw that service is joy.”
This quote accurately encapsulates Sir Shridath, who readily embraced service to his native Guyana, the wider Caribbean, and the Commonwealth.
Last year, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) marked its 50th Anniversary as a regional integration movement. It was fortuitous that, during our celebratory events held in Trinidad and Tobago, the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government had the opportunity to listen to the words of wisdom of Sir Shridath, albeit for the last time, imploring us to stay the course. Sir Shridath was deeply involved in the creation of the short-lived West Indian Federation, the Caribbean Free Trade Area (CARIFTA), and later the Caribbean Community, helping to shape the regional architecture through its guiding manual, the Original Treaty of Chaguaramas, which was signed in July 1973. The Caribbean Community owes Sir Shridath Ramphal more than a debt of gratitude for his sterling contribution to regional integration.
His pivotal work as Chairman of the West Indian Commission, appointed by CARICOM Heads of Government to recommend strategies to prepare the Region for the 21st century is legendary. The ground-breaking report, “A Time for Action” covered insightful and strategic recommendations on critical issues, including government and politics, finance, trade and industry; social and civic partnerships; communications, education, youth and gender. The Association of Caribbean States, which connects CARICOM with the wider Caribbean and Central America, marked its 30th Anniversary in July this year. This is an enduring product of the recommendations in the Report of Sir Shridath on deepening and widening the greater Caribbean integration movement.
Sir Shridath’s finely tuned skills in diplomacy and trade negotiations were called into service as CARICOM’s Chief Negotiator with the establishment of the Regional Negotiating Machinery, from where he led negotiations in the WTO, the Free Trade Area of the Americas, and with the European Union on the Cotonou Agreement under the umbrella of the African Caribbean Pacific States.
For his outstanding role in the early Caribbean co-operation with Europe which led to the First Lomé Convention, he is one of two Caribbean leaders whose names are inscribed on a special room in the European Commission Headquarters in Brussels, Belgium. Fittingly, the Centre for International Trade Law, Policy and Services at the Cave Hill campus of The University of the West Indies is also named in his honour.
At the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting held in 1975 in the CARICOM Member State of Jamaica, Shridath Ramphal was appointed the second Commonwealth Secretary-General. His 15-year tenure, which spanned the appointment of three successive Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom, was testament to his formidable technical and diplomatic skills, and the pivotal work he undertook. This included his efforts towards the decolonisation of Rhodesia – now known as Zimbabwe – and the end of apartheid in South Africa. At the same time, under his leadership, the Commonwealth began to focus on the vulnerabilities of small states, such as those in CARICOM.
That same diplomatic acumen was also in evidence when, in the context of the disturbances following the 1997 elections in Guyana, the efforts of the three-man CARICOM Mission of Sir Shridath, Sir Henry Forde and Sir Alister McIntyre, led to the signing of the Herdmanston Accord by the leaders of Guyana’s two main political parties.
With such an erudite portfolio of experiences, and his sharp intellect, it is no surprise that institutions of higher learning courted his presence. Sir Shridath served as Chancellor of three universities – the University of Guyana, the University of the West Indies and the University of Warwick, providing critical policy direction to shape the future for young people of the Region, and beyond.
In the face of his significant accomplishments in foreign policy, law, trade and academia, what is often understated is that Sir Shridath was at the vanguard of the consciousness of the nexus between the natural environment and development. His early efforts assume greater resonance when viewed against the current realities of climate change in our Region. His service also extended to support to bodies focused on disarmament and international humanitarian issues, where he offered critical perspectives on North-South relations and the specific needs of developing countries.
Sir Shridath was committed to the promotion of regional unity, democracy, and protection of the rights and freedoms of citizens of the Caribbean and Commonwealth. He held the flag of our Region high, and his life of distinguished service as a regional and international statesman has brought honour to his country Guyana, and to the Caribbean Community.
For his sterling contributions, in 1992 he was awarded the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC), CARICOM’s highest award.
On behalf of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government, and the Caribbean Community, I extend sincere condolences to his family, his friends and those who knew him personally. I extend sincere condolences to the Government and people of Guyana. I extend sincere condolences to the Caribbean. We have lost a stalwart, we have lost a giant, who has left us with a rich legacy that we can all be proud of.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
]]>We laud his pivotal contributions to regional integration and development, as an eminent jurist, Minister of Government and Attorney-General in his native Guyana; Chancellor of the University of Guyana and The University of the West Indies; and Chief Negotiator for CARICOM on External Trade Relations.
His influence extended beyond our shores to the international arena, where his decisive leadership as Commonwealth Secretary-General impacted outcomes on global matters including the ending of apartheid in southern Africa. Further, his deep intellectual interest in regional development issues led to significant publications, which are an invaluable legacy for the young people of our Region.
The Conference of Heads of Government was pleased to welcome his reflections and perspectives when he virtually addressed the 45th Regular Heads of Government Meeting in July 2023 as we marked CARICOM’s 50th anniversary.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family members and friends.
May his soul rest in peace.
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Hon. Dickon Mitchell
Chair of the Caribbean Community and Prime Minister of Grenada
]]>The Hon. Dickon Mitchell, CARICOM Chair and Prime Minister of Grenada, said that CARICOM Heads of Government supported the Regional Digital Resilience Strategy at the 47th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in St. George’s, Grenada. As Lead Head of Government with responsibility for Science and Technology in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet, Prime Minister Mitchell presented the strategy at the Meeting.
At a media conference on 30 July, the final day of the Meeting, Prime Minister Mitchell said the strategy will address issues such as digital integration, infrastructure and connectivity, digital skills, workforce development and capacity-building, and the policy and regulatory environments.
He announced that Heads of Government also endorsed the creation of a digital skills fund which will be used to train 10 000 CARICOM youths in specific digital skills “so they can move in the Caribbean and not leave the Caribbean and be able to provide their services to citizens globally.” Youth unemployment and under-employment will also be addressed through the establishment of the fund. CARICOM will provide partial financing and intends to seek support for the fund from its international development partners, the CARICOM Chairman said.
At the opening of the 47th Regular Meeting on 28 July, Prime Minister Mitchell committed to championing an “ambitious, digital transformation agenda”, pointing out that the Region has an opportunity to ensure that it is not left behind in the technological revolution.
“We owe it to the next generation of Caribbean citizens to give them the tools and the education to ensure that they can stay in the Caribbean and ply their skills anywhere in the world, because there is no better place to live than in the Caribbean,” he said.
He announced that Heads of Government also endorsed the creation of a digital skills fund which will be used to train 10 000 CARICOM youths in specific digital skills “so they can move in the Caribbean and not leave the Caribbean and be able to provide their services to citizens globally.” Youth unemployment and under-employment will also be addressed through the establishment of the fund. CARICOM will provide partial financing and intends to seek support for the fund from its international development partners, the CARICOM Chair said.
As part of the Digital Resilience Strategy, the Heads of Government agreed to establish a CARICOM Digital Skills Training and Learning Network (CDSTLD), and to launch the Digi-Smart CARICOM Digital Skills Initiative in 2024, the Meeting Communique stated.
The Heads of Government also agreed to undertake a regional project to train CARICOM citizens in key areas such as Artificial Intelligence and data analytics.
According to the Communique, additional activities under the Strategy will include establishment of the Cybersecurity and Resilience Information Sharing Framework at IMPACS; launch of a telemedicine pilot in three CARICOM Member States; commissioning of a CARICOM Digital Health Strategy; and establishment of an Artificial Intelligence Centre of Excellence in Grenada.
At the opening of the 47th Regular Meeting on 28 July, Prime Minister Mitchell committed to championing an “ambitious, digital transformation agenda”, pointing out that the Region has an opportunity to ensure that it is not left behind in the technological revolution.
“We owe it to the next generation of Caribbean citizens to give them the tools and the education to ensure that they can stay in the Caribbean and ply their skills anywhere in the world, because there is no better place to live than in the Caribbean,” he said.
]]>It is more than 100 days since the people of Guyana went to the polls. And yet there is no declared result. From the very beginning we have been clear and said consistently that every vote must count and every vote must be made to count in a fair and transparent way.
Regrettably we have seen a level of gamesmanship that has left much to be desired and has definitely not portrayed our Caribbean region in the best light. This is definitely NOT our finest hour and we MUST NOT shy away from that reality.
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is concerned at reports that the Chief Elections Officer has submitted a Report to the Guyana Elections Commission (GECOM) which is contrary to the directions given by the Commission and which does not reflect the results of the recount process as certified by the very staff of the Guyana Elections Commission and witnessed by representatives of the political parties.
Indeed, these numbers and the certification of them were also witnessed by our CARICOM Observer Team. They travelled to Guyana (in spite of the pandemic and the risk to themselves) and they scrutinised the recount process.
The CARICOM Observer Team was of the unshakeable belief that the people of Guyana expressed their will at the ballot box on March 2 and that the results of the recount certified as valid by the staff of GECOM led to an orderly conclusion on which the declaration of the results of the Election would be made.
Therefore, we must ask – on what grounds and by what form of executive fiat does the Chief Elections Officer determine that he should invalidate 1 vote, far less over 115 000 votes when the votes were already certified as valid by officers of the Guyana Elections Commission in the presence of the political parties.
We must remind all that If there is any evidence of fraudulent or improper conduct then there is a clear and well accepted route to deal with these matters. It is through an Election Petition to an Election Court.
Any attempt to provide numbers different from those certified by the staff of GECOM has left many in shock and wondering what next will happen to frustrate the will of the Guyanese people.
The role and focus of political parties must be useful and not obstructive in embracing and promoting the clear and expressed will of the people. When we confuse and frustrate that will, is when we begin to sow the very seeds of discord and acrimony that we are sworn to dissuade and discourage.
The Community holds the strong view that no voter must be disenfranchised in determining the credibility of this or any election. It is this commitment to a fair and transparent political process that led us to send 2 Electoral Observation Missions – one for the Elections and one for the recount. In addition, 4 Prime Ministers accompanied me to talk to both sides and to urge patience especially after the death of 1 person.
The Community thanks patience of the Guyanese people and thanks you.
As you await the finalisation of this process, we urge again that you be patient and that you be committed to the fact that no electoral process can replace the life of any Guyanese. There must be room for all regardless of who wins and who loses.
I assure you that the Community remains committed to the people of Guyana and remains resolute that the report of its Observer Mission was very clear in its conclusions as to the will of the Guyanese people as reflected in the recount which they monitored.
]]>Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley expressed this view last evening, as she addressed the Virtual Launch of Pan African Festival TT, in commemoration of Emancipation 2020 and African Liberation Day, held under the theme: 1970 Remembered: Reconnection and Recommitment.
Ms. Mottley told those listening: “Resilience is most certainly not a newfound trait of ours in the Caribbean…. In fact, while our history may feature many struggles and adversity, we have always prevailed.”
Highlighting some of those struggles as the slave rebellions that precipitated the abolition of slavery, the popular rebellions of the 1930’s, and the Black Power Rebellion of 1970, the Prime Minister pointed out that there were values produced and lessons learnt.
“I can confidently assert that as our Caribbean region faces the many existential challenges that are currently bearing down on us, there shall be no retreat, there shall be no abandonment of our core values. There will be no deviation from the positive mission of transformation that our history has bequeathed to us! And it is up to us to run our leg of the relay,” she stated.
Ms. Mottley, who is also Chair of the Caribbean Community, said CARICOM would be reaching out “in an extremely determined manner” to the African Continent.
She added that the COVID-19 crisis had caused the postponement of the inaugural CARICOM/African Union Heads of Government Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, next month.
“I regret that that has happened. But I assure you that this will in no way dampen our resolve to deepen the Caribbean community’s relationship with Africa and to close ranks with the African Union in our battle for a more just and sustainable international social and economic order. Our people must start to trade, our people must start to travel…,” she insisted.
The political leaders of CARICOM, she stated, face a multiplicity of threats and vulnerabilities. She added that they must boldly confront the inequities of the existing International Order head on, and in so doing, join ranks with all allies in the developing world, and the nations of Africa.
Ms. Mottley noted that several CARICOM Member States were forging ahead with plans, even if delayed by COVID-19, to establish embassies in a number of African nations.
“In addition, I can report that plans are still in train to take up the very gracious offer made by the Government of the Republic of Kenya to provide CARICOM with rent free diplomatic office facilities in Nairobi for an initial period of two years,” she disclosed.
The Prime Minister congratulated the Emancipation Support Committee of Trinidad and Tobago for, despite the pandemic, forging ahead to host the virtual launch.
She said the Committee had played a tremendous role in developing the Caribbean/ African Union relationship in the sphere of civil society.
The Prime Minister also thanked the Committee members for their continued contributions and lobbying on the issue of reparations, adding that she looked forward to engaging further on this critical matter.
Ms. Mottley is Prime Minister with lead responsibility for the CARICOM Reparatory Justice Initiative.
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