We have had a meaningful start to our Programme of Work for this 49^th Regular Meeting, starting with the athletic prowess and community spirit demonstrated at the 18^th CARICOM Road Race; the perspectives and cultural demonstrations of the Opening Ceremony; the technological advances highlighted at the Security Expo; and other important discourses in the margins of this Meeting, have cemented and celebrated our identity as a Region. It is evident that there is more that brings us together, than that which divides us.

The agenda before us today reflects many of the pressing regional issues on which action needs to be taken. We anticipate robust and considered discussions on each item.

We must remain focused on our objective – to ensure the economic and social sustainability of the Region, to amplify our voices on critical issues in the international arena, and advance the prosperity and well-being of our people.

At the Secretariat we will continue to strengthen our institutional frameworks to allow for more effective decision-making to support that process and improved coordination and accountability, among Member States and the Region’s institutions. We remain ready to support the implementation of the policies and programmes which will result from discussions over the next two days.

I remain optimistic that when we rise from this 49^th Regular Meeting, our Community will be stronger, more energised, and more convinced of the value of the hours of work that we put in here to the people of the Region.

Thank you, ladies and gentlemen.