The CARICOM Secretariat and the University of the West Indies (UWI) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at fostering greater co-operation between the two Institutions.

CARICOM Secretary-General Mr Edwin Carrington signed on behalf of the Secretariat and Principal of UWI's Mona Campus, Professor Kenneth Hall signed on behalf of the University at a ceremony on Tuesday 7 December 1999, at the Bank of Guyana Headquarters of the Secretariat.

The MOU seeks to formalise and strengthen the relationship between the two institutions which is instrumental to regional development. It is envisaged that this Agreement will serve as a fore-runner to others which will encompass other Associate Institutions and Institutions of the Caribbean Community.

It is expected that this closer collaboration between the Secretariat and the University will result in the enhancement of the capacity of both institutions to attain their common objective of ensuring economic growth and social development of the States they serve. This includes the ability to conduct analyses of critical challenges facing the Community and the identification of strategic options which could inform future policies of the Region.

Resources will be provided by the signatories to ensure the implementation of the MOU.