By Tracey Khan – Drakes
[www.inewsguyana.com] – The 35th Meeting of the Community Council of Ministers of the Caribbean commenced on Friday, January 16 at the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat at Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown.
Foreign Ministers from the Region are gathered at the Secretariat in a working session to decide on the way forward for the implementation of the revised five year strategic plan for the community.
During consultations with Heads of Government, it was agreed that it was necessary to re-examine the future direction of the Community and the arrangements to move it forward which would include the role and function of the CARICOM Secretariat.
The five year strategic plan for the Community will, among other things, identify the priority areas of focus for the Community and guide the restructuring of the Secretariat.
Secretary General of Caricom, Irwin Larcoque said the reform process for the community has begun.
“The reform process has taken root, work has begun to implement the strategic plan and the reform of the secretariat is ongoing…2015 can therefore be watershed year in the history of our community.”
The need to work as a collective organ to develop the community further was emphasized by the SG.
“The effectiveness of acting together has proven itself time and again; let us continue to use that strength in our ongoing quest to provide a better life for the people of our Caricom community.”
He reiterated that each country had an important role to play in the successful implementation of the integration plan.
“The enthusiasm and commitment displayed by all parties involved are testimony to the strong belief to the strategic plan’s potential to assist the member states in meeting and defeating the current challenges. Our regional institutions worked closely with the Caricom Secretariat in designing the initial draft of the plan; this is the kind of collaboration envisioned going forward.”
Meanwhile, Bahamas Foreign Affairs Minister, Mitchell said the importance of Caricom cannot be overstated.
“If Caricom didn’t exist we would have to invent it, not to expect more on it than it can deliver and not to put more on it than it can bear.”
He went on to explain that the best is yet to come from Caricom to the benefit of its people, despite the challenges.
“We have good years ahead of us; things will turn around for he who endures to the end.”
