It was with great shock and deep sadness that the Caribbean Community learnt of the sudden passing on Sunday 22 December 2002, of the Honourable Hugh Desmond Hoyte, S.C., M.P., former President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and Leader of the People’s National Congress Reform, at 73 years of age.

On behalf of the Caribbean Community, the staff at the CARICOM Secretariat and on my own behalf, I wish to extend heartfelt sympathies to his bereaved family and the Government and People of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, on the passing of an eminent and distinguished statesman, who served his country and the Caribbean Community with distinction.

As a Member of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community during his tenure as President of his country from 1985 to 1992, the Region was hounoured in finding in the Honourable Hugh Desmond Hoyte a committed proponent of the regional integration movement who was devoted to advancing our aspirations for a strong and viable Community.

The Caribbean Community gives thanks for the life of this distinguished political figure and in honouring his contribution to the development of Guyana and the Caribbean Community, extends its deepest condolences to his family and the Government and People of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana.