Remarks by Dr Carla Barnett, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at the Unveiling of the CARICOM Roundabout, Sunday 28 July 2024, St. George's Grenada

• Honourable Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada and Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community;

• Your Excellencies, Heads of State and Government of the Caribbean Community;

• Honourable Ministers;

• Other Heads of Delegation;

• Representatives of the Media;

• Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen.

This ceremony to rename this roundabout to the CARICOM Roundabout is part of a series of activities to mark dual fiftieth anniversary celebrations, that of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and, of our host nation, Grenada.

I congratulate our Chair, the Honourable Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada, for his astute selection of a symbol of convergence, interconnectedness and purpose, to create a symbol of the resilience, unity and collaboration which are of particular relevance for the Region, following the experiences of Hurricane Beryl a mere few weeks ago.

As we unveil the new name, we pay tribute to the founding fathers and past leaders of our Community, and of Grenada, whose collective wisdom and determination have fueled our integration journey to this our joint fiftieth anniversaries.  

This ceremony takes place within the context of the Forty-Seventh Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, where discussions and decisions on the direction and future of the Community will take place. I hope that it will help to heighten awareness and deepen appreciation for the work of the Community, and inspire current and future generations to play an active role in advancing the vision of an integrated, inclusive and resilient Caribbean Community for all.

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.