STATEMENT REGARDING MISSION TO EASTERN CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES BY MR. EDWIN CARRINGTON SECRETARY-GENERAL, CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM)

Mr. Edwin Carrington, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), has recently concluded a mission to three Eastern Caribbean countries, Member States of CARICOM. The States visited were St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia and Dominica.

During the visit, Mr. Carrington briefed the Hon. Arnhim Eustace, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and the Hon. Pierre Charles, Prime Minister of Dominica on regional and international issues of importance to the development of the Community.

This was in keeping with the policy of the CARICOM Secretariat to meet and brief newly elected Heads of Government of CARICOM.

While in Dominica the Secretary-General also met with the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. Edison James.

While in the Eastern Caribbean, Secretary-General Carrington took the opportunity to meet with and update the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Dr. the Hon. Kenny Anthony on issues relating to Guyana's upcoming General Elections 2001 as required under the Herdmanston Accord. The discussions included matters relating to the CARICOM Observer Mission for the Guyana elections.

The Prime Minister welcomed the update from the Secretary-General and expressed his intention to communicate with H.E. Mr. Bharrat Jagdeo, President of the Republic of Guyana, and the Leader of the Opposition, Hon. Desmond Hoyte in light of the delay beyond 17 January 2001 in the holding of elections as set out in the Accord.

Secretary-General Carrington also updated Prime Minister Anthony on the Haitian Presidential Elections held on Sunday 26 November 2000.

The Secretary-General also met with Sir John Compton of Saint Lucia, who led the CARICOM group to Haiti.