NEW YORK, CMC – The seventh general meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), its associated institutions and the United Nations began here on Monday with CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque underscoring the importance of providing aid to developing countries like those in the Caribbean to ensure their future socio-economic development.
In addition, La Rocque, who said the forum provides an excellent opportunity for discussions on issues of benefit to Caribbean people, also urged the world community to assist in the fight against crime which he said was strangling the Caribbean's development.
"Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, with the current global events, all of which demand your attention, it is heartening that our Caribbean Community's biennial encounter is of sufficient importance to ensure your presence," LaRocque said, noting that the 15-member grouping placed much importance on the deliberations.