President Irfaan Ali on Monday praised outgoing CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque for his stewardship and strength of character, saying that the region benefitted during his tenure.
According to the Office of the President (OP), LaRocque, who served two five-year terms, made a farewell courtesy visit to State House to meet with Ali and Vice President Bharrat Jagdeo.
In a statement, OP said Ali used the occasion to present LaRocque with a sculpture by renowned Guyanese artist Winslow Craig as a gift of appreciation on behalf of the people of Guyana for the decade-long leadership that he provided at the helm of the CARICOM Secretariat.
OP noted that the sculpture of Silverballi and Saman, which represents Guyana and the other member states of the regional body, was specifically crafted for the Secretary-General. “This piece is entitled Strength and Wisdom. It is my pleasure on behalf of the people of Guyana to hand over this piece to you,” Ali was quoted as telling LaRocque. “This is recognition, first of all, for your regional commitment, your leadership, strength of character, your wisdom and the prolific way you led… Indeed, the region is stronger and better because of your service,” he added.
According to OP, Ali said Guyana was honoured to have benefitted from LaRocque’s “stewardship” and added that the people of Guyana would continue to welcome him.
LaRocque thanked the President for his kind words and the gesture extended to him.
Dr Carla Natalie Barnett, a national of Belize, is due to assume office next week as Secretary-General. Dr Barnett, who was unanimously selected by the CARICOM Heads of Government in May, is the first female Secretary-General.
