GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC – Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Andrew Holness, stated on Friday that the way forward for the regional integration motion, CARICOM, lies in cooperation, underscoring the centrality of unity.
“CARICOM has embodied the area’s response to our shared historic experiences and customary challenges as Small Island Creating States,” Holness stated in a message marking CARICOM Day on Friday.
Holness, who takes over the chairmanship of the 15-member grouping on the forty ninth common assembly of the heads of presidency in Montego Bay from Sunday, stated “our future lies in cooperation, working collectively to safe peace and prosperity for the folks of the Caribbean”.
He said that CARICOM has been a beacon of regional integration and cooperation, having grown to incorporate 15 member states and 6 Affiliate Members, symbolizing a various group of countries with a singular Caribbean identification and a shared ambition for a sustainable and affluent future.
Holness said that CARICOM serves as a testomony to what could be achieved when variations are transcended for the frequent good, referring to the CARICOM Single Market and Economic system (CSME), which facilitates the free motion of products, providers, labour, and abilities throughout the area.
Holness described the CSME as “a robust car for advancing regional financial integration,” highlighting its position in creating new alternatives, enhancing competitiveness, strengthening resilience, and selling inclusiveness.
Nevertheless, whereas he acknowledged the progress of the CSME, Prime Minister Holness additionally emphasised the necessity for continued efforts to unlock the complete potential of the initiative, significantly in driving intra-regional commerce, facilitating the motion of abilities and capital, and fostering sustainable financial progress.
In his message, Prime Minister Holness additionally counseled the numerous position of regional establishments such because the Trinidad-based Caribbean Public Well being Company (CARPHA), the Barbados-based Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC), the Caribbean Catastrophe Emergency Administration Company (CDEMA), and the College of the West Indies (UWI) in implementing insurance policies and programmes that instantly influence the standard of life for Caribbean residents.
Trying to the long run, he emphasised the significance of addressing new and rising challenges by means of collective efforts. These embrace tackling local weather change, securing local weather financing, strengthening meals and power safety, combating transnational organised crime, and bolstering resilience to exterior shocks.
He additionally reiterated CARICOM’s dedication to supporting Haiti in its quest for lasting peace and stability.
“As Chair of CARICOM, Jamaica reaffirms its dedication to advancing the work of the Group. A safe and sustainable future for our area can solely be achieved by means of united coordinated efforts.”
He concluded his message by extending greetings to CARICOM nationals throughout the area and within the diaspora, urging them to have fun the progress made and recommit to the journey forward.
“Collectively, allow us to proceed to construct a Caribbean Group that shines as a beacon of unity, shared function, and hope for each current and future generations,” he stated.
