CARICOM SECRETARY-GENERAL RECEIVES PRESTIGIOUS TRINITY CROSS

(CARICOM Secretariat, Georgetown, Guyana) Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), His Excellency Edwin Carrington yesterday became the proud recipient of the highest award of Trinidad and Tobago, the Trinity Cross. The Secretary-General was presented with the award by President of the Republic, His Excellency George Maxwell Richards, during the Independence Day awards ceremony at the President’s residence.

Mr. Carrington, who now stands as the longest serving Secretary-General of CARICOM since his appointment in August 1992, was recognised for his ongoing commitment and dedication to Caribbean integration. He was quoted by the Trinidad and Tobago Daily Express as being “deeply honoured” by the award, which he said will strengthen his commitment to the development of the Region.

According to the Express, Mr. Carrington cited the Community’s flagship programme, the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) as a major challenge, but nonetheless expressed confidence and determination in seeing the Region’s advancement. He also issued a call to citizens of the Community to dedicate their skills toward the development of the Region.

In 2004, the Secretary-General was accorded Guyana’s second highest award, the Cacique Crown of Honour, by President of the Republic of Guyana, His Excellency Bharat Jagdeo. His many accolades also include an Order of Distinction which was presented by the Government of Belize in 2001 and the Barbadian Companion of Honour award presented in 2002. Mr Carrington’s recent homeland award is now his second, having received the Chaconia Gold Medal in 1987, the second highest award of the twin island Republic.