The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has extended congratulations to Dominica-born Baroness Patricia Scotland on her election as Commonwealth Secretary-General.

Baroness Scotland’s election came on the opening day of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Malta, Friday.

Read the full congratulatory message:

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) congratulates Baroness Patricia Scotland on her election as Secretary-General of the Commonwealth.

Baroness Scotland has created history as the first woman to head the organization. She is also the second Secretary-General to come from the Caribbean Community, the other being Sir Shridath Ramphal of Guyana.  Baroness Scotland, born in  Dominica and whose father is from Antigua and Barbuda, brings to the position an impressive record of public service.

CARICOM Secretary General, Irwin LaRocque, said the Community looks forward to working with Baroness Scotland in continuing to strengthen the unique organisation that is the Commonwealth and in building on the close co-operation between that organisation and CARICOM.