CARICOM lauds Barbados’ contribution to regionalism

Barbados’ contributions to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have produced positive dividends, CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque said, in marking the Member State’s golden jubilee of independence. 

In a message of congratulations to the government and people of Barbados, Ambassador LaRocque said the Community would not be what it is today without the steady and sterling industry of Barbados.

The people of the country have distinguished themselves in every sphere of endeavour, from politics and diplomacy to trade and culture, producing positive dividends for CARICOM, the Secretary-General stated.

It is therefore imperative for the Community to laud Barbados’ active participation in the various Councils of CARICOM, its leadership within the Quasi-Cabinet of a major enterprise of the Community - the Single Market and Economy, and its pursuit of reparatory justice and reform.

Reflecting on the theme of the celebration, Pride and Industry, Mr. LaRocque said: “CARICOM toasts this most befitting assertion and takes the opportunity of this festive occasion to say to Barbados, thank you for your ongoing invested contribution to regional integration.  May Barbados continue to be a bright star in the constellation of CARICOM democracies and societies.”

The full text of the message reads:

“The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) extends warmest congratulations to the Government and People of Barbados on the celebration of this Golden Jubilee of their Independence.

In every culture and at every level, from the individual to the nation, the achievement of fifty years of existence is a cause for jubilant celebration and sober but optimistic reflection.  It is a coming of age that commemorates a successful past and heralds a hopeful future, for it testifies to challenges conquered and lessons learned that will guide the future.  This is the case of the proud island nation state of Barbados.  The Caribbean Community is delighted to participate in the festivity, reflection and hope-filled anticipation that this anniversary provokes.

Our Caribbean Community would not be what it is today without the steady and sterling industry of the people of Barbados- both their citizens and the elected officials - who have represented and led them always forward to this bright day and brighter tomorrow.  In every sphere of endeavour, from politics and diplomacy to trade and culture, the contribution and leadership of Barbados have produced positive dividends for our Community.  In this regard, it behooves the Community to laud, not only Barbados’ active participation in the various Councils of CARICOM, but particularly its leadership within the Quasi-Cabinet of a major enterprise of the Community - the Single Market and Economy as well as in the pursuit of reparatory justice and reform.

The theme of this Golden Jubilee is Pride and Industry.  The Caribbean Community toasts this most befitting assertion and takes the opportunity of this festive occasion to say to Barbados, thank you for your ongoing invested contribution to regional integration.  May Barbados continue to be a bright star in the constellation of CARICOM democracies and societies”