CARICOM SG says The Bahamas’ creativity, innovation key to its success

(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) As The Bahamas celebrates its fifty-second Anniversary of Independence on 10 July, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett highlighted the diligence, solidarity, creativity, and innovation of the Bahamian people as key elements of the nation’s success.

In her congratulatory message to Prime Minister Rt. Hon. Philip Davis, Secretary-General Barnett also recognised the country’s notable economic progress, which she says will undoubtedly accelerate its growth and development.

Commending The Bahamas' commitment to sustainable development, she highlighted the nation's efforts to protect its natural ecosystems. This commitment is exemplified by Prime Minister Davis's historic signature on the United Nations (UN) Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation, and Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean (Escazú Agreement) on 5 June 2025, she stated.

Dr Barnett also noted its ratification of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement).

“This demonstrates your country’s commitment to sustainable ocean governance and its connectivity to tourism, for which you hold responsibility in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet,” the Secretary-General said.

The full message reads as follows:

Prime Minister,

On behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), I warmly congratulate the Government and People of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas on the country’s Fifty-Second Anniversary of Independence, which is being celebrated under the theme, “Together We Rise”.

This year’s theme emphasises the importance of national unity and shared purpose, vital for advancing The Bahamas’ national development goals. The diligence, solidarity, creativity, and innovation of the Bahamian People have been key to the nation’s success.

This Anniversary aligns with a period of notable economic progress for The Bahamas, which will, undoubtedly, build even greater confidence in The Bahamian economy, fostering further economic growth and development.

I commend your Government’s efforts in protecting the country’s natural ecosystems and promoting sustainable development. In this regard, I acknowledge your historic signature, Prime Minister, of the United Nations (UN) Regional Agreement on Access to Information, Public Participation, and Justice in Environmental Matters in Latin America and the Caribbean (“Escazú Agreement”) on 5 June 2025.

Note is also taken of The Bahamas’ ratification of the Agreement under the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biological Diversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ Agreement). This demonstrates your country’s commitment to sustainable ocean governance and its connectivity to Tourism, for which you hold responsibility in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet.

CARICOM remains grateful for your country’s tangible support for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) Mission in Haiti, and the Eminent Persons Group (EPG).

As the Community navigates the evolving global political dynamics, we anticipate The Bahamas’ continued contribution to deepening regional cooperation as together we rise as a Region.

I extend my best wishes to your Government and People for continued success, peace, and prosperity.