More than 300 children between the ages of 6 and 12, from schools and institutions across Georgetown romped and frolicked on Saturday, July 17 on the grounds of Colgrain at the First CARICOM Secretary-General's Children's Fun Day to celebrate CARICOM Day 1999..

Host for the event, CARICOM Secretary-General Mr Edwin Carrington said it was a joy being among so many children having a good time. 'These children," he said, "represent the future of our Community and must be central to any plans the Community has for the approaching millennium."

The Children's Fun Day, in commemoration of the 26^th Anniversary of the founding of the Caribbean Community, was a change from the annual CARICOM Day Reception. Guyana's Minister of Foreign Affairs, the Hon. Clement Rohee and his cabinet colleague, Minister of Youth, Sport and Culture, the Hon. Gail Texeira were on hand to participate in the event, along with the Representative of the United Nations Children's Fund, Sr Juan Carlos Espinola and Sra Espinola.

Activities for the children included pony rides, video games, a bouncing castle, a treasure hunt, a dancing competition, a CARICOM hopscotch and "Identify the Flag" competitions, along with the Clown. There was also a CARICOM quiz to determine who would stick the birthday cake.

Among the schools and institutions represented were the Sacred Heart RC; the Ptolemy Reid Rehabilitation Centre; West Ruimveldt Primary; the New Guyana School; and the St Ann's and St John Bosco Orphanages. Children of the staff of the Secretariat also participated.

The children, the accompanying parents and the staff of the Secretariat, all agreed that the occasion of CARICOM Day 1999 was a most enjoyable one. As for the Secretary-General, he hoped it was "a most profitable investment in the future of the Region."