In a message to celebrate Trinidad and Tobago’s sixty-second anniversary of independence on 31 August, CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett lauds the country’s contribution in the international arena as well as its consistent efforts to ensure that climate change remains at the forefront of the global agenda. Trinidad and Tobago’s work on the strengthening of the multilateral system including comprehensive reform of the United Nations Security Council, also received recognition.

In observance of International Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and its Abolition, Dr Hilary Brown, Programme Manager, Culture and Community Development, CARICOM Secretariat, shares a message on the significance of recommitting to the fight for reparatory justice.

Read her message below:

In response to an invitation from the President of the Transitional Presidential Council (TPC) and calls from stakeholders, the CARICOM Eminent Persons Group (EPG) made an in-person visit to Haiti on 11-16 August 2024 as a follow-up to previous virtual meetings with the Presidential Council, the Prime Minister and the nominating sector leaders. The EPG felt it was necessary to ascertain and evaluate the progress accomplished in the transition process to be in a position to report to the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

Salutations

 Honourable John Briceño, Prime Minister of Belize;

 Honourable Ministers and members of the National Assembly;

 Dr. Claire Grant, President, and Other Executives and Members of the Caribbean Broadcasting Union;

 Ladies and Gentlemen.

Today, as we come together to observe International Youth Day under the theme "From Clicks to Progress: Youth Digital Pathways for Sustainable Development," we highlight the incredible power of digital technology in shaping our world. In this digital age, we, the youth, are leading the charge—not just staying connected with each other, but actively using technology to address some of the most pressing global challenges.