I have the honour to speak on behalf of the fourteen Member States of the Caribbean Community on the priority theme: “Challenges and achievements in the implementation of the Millennium Development Goals for women and girls”. CARICOM associates itself with the statements delivered by the distinguished representatives of Bolivia on behalf of the G77 and China, and Costa Rica on behalf of CELAC.

CARICOM extends congratulations and support to you on your assumption of the chairmanship of the Commission. We thank the Secretary-General for the valuable reports submitted for our consideration.

Mr. Chairman,Guided by a people-centred approach to development, CARICOM Member States recognise the critical role of gender equality and empowerment of women to achieving poverty eradication, social integration and sustainable development. Our Governments have therefore accorded high priority to combatting gender-based discrimination and promoting the advancement of women at the national, regional and international levels.

Our Community has itself recorded significant progress toward achievement of the MDGs, with positive results for women and girls.