CARICOM congratulates Jamaica on its Sixty-First Anniversary of Independence

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has congratulated Jamaica on attaining its Sixty-First Anniversary of Independence.

CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett extended the Community’s congratulations to the Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness:

“Most Honourable Prime Minister:

On behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), I am pleased to extend heartfelt congratulations to the Government and people of Jamaica on the country’s 61^st Anniversary of Independence, which is being celebrated under the theme, “Proud and Strong.”

Honourable Prime Minister, the Caribbean Community is extremely grateful for your stewardship and guidance in the Quasi-Cabinet of the CARICOM Heads of Government as Lead Head with responsibility for advancing our external trade relations, including negotiation.

We particularly appreciate your commitment to the Community’s actions in support of our sister CARICOM Member State, Haiti. Jamaica’s willingness to host the first consultations between the CARICOM-appointed Eminent Persons Group (EPG) and Haitian stakeholders underscores a longstanding commitment to regional peace and security.

As the Caribbean Community unites with Jamaicans to celebrate with great pride your numerous achievements at home and on the international stage, we are confident that the country will continue to make tremendous progress.

I take this opportunity to reaffirm my own commitment and that of the staff of the CARICOM Secretariat to work assiduously alongside you and your Government to realise our aspirations for integrating our beloved Caribbean Community.

I extend wishes for the continued development, prosperity, and well-being of the Government and people of Jamaica as you mark your 61^st Anniversary of Independence.”