CARICOM Secretariat strengthening focus on Partnerships

The CARICOM Secretariat is increasing its emphasis on partnerships to mobilise development support, Deputy Secretary-General Dr Armstrong Alexis stated at a Caribbean Development Roundtable in Suriname, Thursday.

Addressing the theme ‘Global Partnership for Repositioning, Recovery and Resilience in the Caribbean, Dr Alexis stressed the importance of partnerships for keeping the Region on course to achieve positive development results.  He noted that the Secretariat’s 2022-2030 Strategic Plan commits it to driving the Caribbean Community’s efforts to ‘deepen economic integration, enhance the effectiveness of decision-making and implementation, strengthen the coordination of policies with third states, and build robust platforms for effective functional co-operation amongst Member States through the strengthening of strategic relationships with International Development Partners (IDPs)’

“We are cognizant that in order for us to secure a viable, sustainable and prosperous Community for all, we must engage in strategic partnerships with external stakeholders and International Development Partners,” he stressed.

Dr Alexis said the global environment has highlighted the need for more strategic partnerships that exploit synergies, reduce duplication and lead to a more effective deployment of resources. He however noted that the success of any partnership or global agreement lies in the attainment of the objectives based on a shared vision, solidarity and mutual trust. The initiative must also be underpinned by the application of a consistent set of rules, supported by a framework that promotes transparency, fairness and a system of good governance, he added.

“The changing global environment has underscored the importance of leveraging global partnerships to support development efforts, promote recovery and resilience, mitigate common threats to humanity and enhance global security,” Dr Alexis noted.