ST. GEOPRGE’S, GRENADA, 30th JUNE, 2011 _ Grenada’s Prime Minister, Hon. Tillman Thomas, says despite some challenges, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has taken steps to improve its image and effectiveness in the region, during his tenure as CARICOM Chairman.

The Grenadian leader left the island this morning for St. Kitts, where he will attend a meeting of OECS leaders and the 32nd regular meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, which opens today (Thursday).

Prime Minister Thomas, who will hand over the Chairmanship of CARICOM to his St. Kitts/Nevis counterpart, Dr. Denzil Douglas, says he is satisfied that his six month term as Chairman of the regional body has helped to move the process forward.

“Our leadership retreat in Guyana gave us an opportunity to look at some of the stumbling blocks to our progress, including the issue of implementation of decisions taken by the Conference. We have recommitted to the further strengthening of CARICOM as part of our efforts to build the confidence of our people in the integration movement,” the Prime Minister said.

Prime Minister Thomas, in his address to the meeting as outgoing Chairman, will congratulate 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.

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

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.

Mr. Thomas is accompanied by Foreign Minister Hon. Karl Hood and His Excellency William Joseph, Ambassador to the OECS and CARICOM.

Finance Minister, Hon. Nazim Burke, will be appointed to act as Prime Minister in the absence from state of Prime Minister Thomas.

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