The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat took a step towards forging new links with the wider Caribbean, with the hosting of a team of Baha'i Youth from across the Region, on Wednesday 10 August, 1999.

The team, in Guyana, as part of their on-going "Sparks of Peace" project, met with CARICOM Secretary-General, Edwin Carrington, at the Secretariat's Headquarters in Georgetown, and pledged their support to assist in bridging the gap between the Secretariat and the people of the Region, especially the youth, and those at "the grass roots level." Team members emphasised their support for CARICOM and pointed out that its mission bore direct relation to the objectives of their movement in the Region - to help create and strengthen a "Caribbean identity, and unity in diversity" especially among youths.

Secretary-General, Edwin Carrington, warmly greeted the team, and said the group can be a driving force in the movement towards regional integration, noting that the positive spiritual dimension is a valuable ingredient to the process. He highlighted the emphasis Heads of Governments continue to place on youths of the Region, and said the spiritual and moral values exemplified by the Baha'is must be incorporated in the vision for the Community moving into the new millennium. The Secretary-General said this meeting should be treated only as the beginning of a new relationship with CARICOM and the building of stronger links with the Secretariat and the wider Caribbean region.

Coordinator of the visit, Ms. Sharil Sealy, said becoming part of the network for regional unity is one of the motivating factors for the group's presence at this time. Representatives of the Baha'is also took the opportunity to inform the Secretariat of its role and functions, pointing out that one of its major tenets is the unification of all mankind.

The "Sparks Of Peace Project" aims mainly at bringing together Baha'i Youths in the Region to provide community services, learn and develop skills in the arts, and to promote the teachings of the faith.

The team comprising representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Eustatius, and St. Kitts and Nevis, will be providing community services in a number of areas in Guyana during the holidays.