BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, Dec. 29. 17- IN his final address for the year, CARICOM Chairman and Grenada’s Prime Minister, Keith Mitchell has paid tribute to those people and countries that assisted affected islands in their time of need.
Mitchell stated that there was no doubt that 2017 has been a most eventful year for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), especially with what was experienced in a scale of multi-country devastation never before seen in the region.
He was pointing to the two category five hurricanes, Irma and Maria, which ravaged the Caribbean within two weeks, and cause widespread damage and loss of life.
“The Governments and people of our Community immediately responded to assist their brothers and sisters with the generosity and spirit of togetherness which is our trademark. I therefore must pay tribute to those who so willingly extended a helping hand in the hour of need of our brothers and sisters in the stricken countries.
“Even before the hurricane season was over, the resilient people that we are, we had begun to rally,” he added.
When it came to rebuilding, the outspoken PM said that “we could use the rebuilding process to become the first climate resilient region in the world. Recognising that we did not have the resources to achieve that goal on our own, we sought the assistance of the international community”.
At a High-Level Summit at the United Nations last month, the regional governments raised over US$1.3 billion in pledges and a further $1 billion in loans and debt relief.
Meanwhile, the Chairman said the region has been moving ahead in other areas as well, pointing out that Heads of Government welcomed and approved the Human Resource Development 2030 Strategy as well as the Roadmap for a Single ICT Space.
“This would enhance the environment for investment and production, provide an opportunity for innovation to flourish, support a sustainable increase in growth and jobs, enhance efficiency in, and increase access to public services.,” Mitchell stated.
Further, there was also progress in enhancing the safety and security of the people of the region. Several Member States signed the CARICOM Arrest Warrant Treaty which is said to simplify the procedures of returning fugitives to the country where charges have been laid.
There was also the expansion of the Advance Passenger Information System and planned introduction of the Advance Cargo Information System, which according to Mitchell, also signifies “the importance attached to the issue of Security”.
During the year, we also took a hard look at the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and approved an Implementation Plan for 2017-2019 to accelerate the use of the measures under the regime. A lot has been achieved in implementing the CSME, including legal and institutional measures and mechanisms to support the free movement of goods, services, skills, and cross-border establishment of businesses. However, we will continue to review progress regularly to ensure that the benefits of this important aspect of our integration are accruing to our citizens.
Regional governments also looked at tourism, and marketing strategies to bolster the major economic earner for many islands; “and agreed to support various Public-Private Sector initiatives”.
“My brothers and sisters, as we enjoy this festive season, let us spare more than a thought for those who are still in difficult circumstances. Happy Holidays and a bright, creative and productive New Year.”
