(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana)     The 2014 World AIDS Day theme is ‘Closing the Gap’. This theme challenges us as Policy makers, programme managers and implementers to identify and develop strategies and policies for closing the gap in resources to achieve universal access. For the Caribbean, removing the barriers that impede universal access by all members of our society is crucial.

World AIDS Day provides an opportunity for reflection and resolution.  Not long ago an affliction with HIV and AIDS was literally a death sentence.  Today, thanks to scientific breakthroughs and access to treatment, people with HIV and AIDS are living longer and leading productive lives.  Yet there are lingering challenges to overcome.  Among them are the increases in new infections in young women and vulnerable populations.

CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque has congratulated the Government and People of Suriname as they mark  thirty-nine years  of  Independence.

The Secretary-General applauded Suriname for continuing  to be a showcase for the Caribbean Community in many areas, citing among others,  the rich diversity of its culture and people living in harmonious union; the continued dynamism of its economic growth which redounds to the betterment of its people and the strengthening of its social fabric.

Creativity and Innovation for a Better Tomorrow is the theme for this year’s Staff Talent Celebration at the CARICOM Secretariat.  The staff talent activities got off to an official start when CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque declared the week of activities open on Monday, November 24, in a brief ceremony held in the Secretariat’s large conference room.

Multiple renewable energy options exist in all Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Member States in all of them, the obvious one being solar. All are medium to high in terms of solar energy potential, Dr. Devon Gardner, Energy Programme Manager at the CARICOM Secretariat, revealed.

In varying degrees, Member States also have geo-thermal, hydro, and wind sources of energy, Dr. Gardner said.
Member States are this week observing CARICOM Energy Week under the theme ‘Achieving Climate and Economic Resilience through Sustainable Development’.