On the occasion of CARICOM’s 50th anniversary, both the PPP/C government and the opposition APNU+AFC have felicitated the regional integration movement and restated their commitment to it.
Extending greetings to the region, President Irfaan Ali said: “The past 50 years have not been all smooth sailing. The Caribbean has been subject to many challenges including invasion, threats to our markets, the emergence of mega economic blocks, devastating natural disasters and geopolitical changes. As a constellation of small-island developing and low-lying coastal states, the Caribbean Community has been able to navigate these turbulent periods because we have stayed together as a united Caribbean family.
“Guyana is proud to belong to this regional family. The country’s commitment has been unwavering and its support unquestionable. Guyana has been the host of the Community’s Secretariat and has been integrally involved in the work, policies, programmes and organs of the Community over the past 5o years. In recent times, we have been very forceful in propelling the region’s agenda in the areas of climate, food, and energy security”, the President said.
Declaring that Guyana will continue to be a “vibrant and engaged member” in the future, President Ali noted that this month Georgetown will assume membership in the Bureau of the Conference and will undertake Chairmanship of the Community from January to July 2024.
The President paid tribute to the founders of the Community and their successors who have kept the ship of regional integration steady and on course and said that Guyana looks forward to working within the Community to help realize the vision of a “united, resilient and prosperous Caribbean”.
Prime Minister Mark Phillips in his message said: “We have seen the benefits of regional trade, information sharing and cultural exchange through CARICOM. We have embraced our identity as a Caribbean people on a world stage while addressing significant challenges facing our region. We have been able to foster greater opportunities in travel, work and education among our nations and continue to support each other in our economic endeavours and in times of crisis”.
He added that there are many more opportunities for collaboration through the integration of regional efforts.
In a statement from the Office of the Leader of the Opposition, Amanza Walton-Desir, Shadow Minister of Foreign Affairs adverted to the beginnings of the integration movement.
“As we commemorate this milestone, the visionary words of The Hon. Forbes Burnham, then Prime Minister of Guyana, on 14 August 1967, still ring true today; he reminded us that `Either we weld ourselves into a regional grouping, serving primarily Caribbean needs, or lacking a common positive policy, have our various territories and nations drawn hither and thither into, and by, other large groupings, where the peculiar problems of the Caribbean are lost or where we become the objects of neo-colonist exploitation and achieve the pitiable status of international mendicants… This is the naked truth. Either we integrate or we perish, unwept, unhonoured’”, she noted.
Walton-Desir said that the anniversary was not only a time for celebration of significant achievements but also an opportunity to recommit to regional integration and the strengthening of partnerships.
“We must forge ahead together, building a Community where each citizen, from every Member State, is valued, and their aspirations are realized. The challenges we face, such as climate change, economic disparities, and global health crises, necessitate a united front and collective action. CARICOM’s strength lies in its ability to foster collaboration, promote economic growth, protect our shared natural resources, and ensure the well-being of our people”, she asserted.
Walton-Desir called for the opportunity to deepen bonds, enhance partnerships, and reaffirm collective determination to address pressing issues.
“Together, we can create a Caribbean Community that thrives on the world stage, leaving no citizen behind”, she said.
In his message on the Golden Jubilee, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Co-operation, Hugh Todd said that the milestone is a testament to the Region’s efforts at cementing a regional integration process.
“The theme for the Fiftieth Anniversary, “50 Years Strong- A Solid Foundation to Build On,” reflects the collective determination of our member states to build a stronger and more prosperous Caribbean for our people. It underscores our commitment to working together to overcome the obstacles that hinder progress and to seize the opportunities that lie ahead”, Todd stated.
He added that CARICOM remains the oldest surviving integration movement in the developing world and that this includes functional cooperation in education, health, culture, security and most critical to economic development, the single market and economy.
“On this 50th anniversary of CARICOM, Guyana reaffirms its commitment to the principles and ideals of this regional integration process. We will continue to actively address the common challenges faced, such as climate change, natural disasters, food and nutrition security and sustainable development.
“In celebrating this significant milestone, we also acknowledge the importance of inclusivity and the empowerment of all our citizens. Our collective efforts must be underpinned by the principles of democracy, respect for human rights, gender equality, and social justice. By placing our people at the centre of our endeavours, we can continue to transform lives and build a more equitable and prosperous Caribbean for all”, Todd added.
