CARICOM meeting opens with much Pomp and Splendor

CARICOM Heads of State

ZIZ News…July 1, 2011 – The thirty second meeting of the Caribbean Community Council (CARICOM) opened with much pomp and splendor as leaders from throughout the region meet in St. Kitts and Nevis to discuss issues of importance on the way forward for the region.

Incoming Chairman of CARICOM St. Kitts Nevis Prime Minister the Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas in welcoming the various Heads of Government said the future of the regional body looks bright despite the various challenges confronting them.

He said he is looking forward to a fruitful meeting here in St Kitts and has also committed himself to the great task ahead of him as he assumes the Chairmanship of the CARICOM.

Meanwhile Prime Minister Tillman Thomas outgoing Chairman, in his address at the opening ceremony congratulated Hon. Freundel Stuart, Prime Minister of Barbados, H.E. Mr. Michel Martelly, President of Haiti, H.E. Desi D. Bouterse, President of Suriname and Hon. Paula Cox, Premier of Bermuda, who are all attending their first regular CARICOM meeting since assuming office.

PM Douglas at CARICOM Opening ceremomy	CARICOM Audience

The Grenadian leader, who is also responsible for Science and Technology in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet, encouraged his colleagues to “fully embrace” Information Communication Technology (ICT) as a critical driver for the region’s development.

Other leaders addressing the opening ceremony at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank on Thursday evening were the Prime Minister of Barbados Freundel Stuart, President of Haiti H.E. Mr. Michel Martelly, President of Suriname H.E. Desi D. Bouterse and the Acting Secretary General of CARICOM Her Excellency Lolita Applewaithe.

The 32nd regular meeting of the Conference will also focus on health, as the Community marks ten years of solid achievements in that sector, since the 2001 Nassau Declaration – the Health of the Region is the Wealth of the Region.