The Caribbean Community - CARICOM, is ready to continue playing a role in the full implementation of the Herdmanston Accord it brokered with Guyana's political parties following the post December 15, 1997 election unrest.

This assurance was given by Jamaica's Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. P.J. Patterson who was in Guyana over the weekend in his capacity as a member of the Bureau of Heads of Government to promote goodwill and harmony in the country on the eve of the release of the findings of an audit into the elections.

Speaking to journalists at the end of his visit on Sunday May 31, 1998, Mr. Patterson said "CARICOM is prepared to provide a facilitator and support such mechanisms as would lubricate the process of sustained dialogue to foster harmony and confidence."

Referring to the establishment of the Constitutional Reform Commission, another main phase of the Herdmanston Accord, Mr. Patterson said that CARICOM was asked to remain engaged in the process by everyone he met during his two-day visit. He reported that all parties accepted the need for a facilitator, and when the person is identified by CARICOM leaders, final acceptance rests with the respective parties.

During his visit the Jamaican Prime Minister met representatives of political parties, private sector leaders, and representatives of of the trade unions and the religious community as well as media managers. The Prime Minister described the meetings as "extremely useful and informative."

In his discourse with media managers, Prime Minister Patterson said the need for balance and objectivity in reporting was underscored, and this was not about censorship. The meeting discussed the contribution the media could make in the promotion of peace and harmony, and in the removal of barriers which could cause division. Mr. Patterson said the media will continue to play an influential role especially at this time, and the session with the managers also highlighted the need to refrain from sensationalism.