“It (Crime) continues to pose a threat to our community, it is not just a national issue for individual member states, it’s a regional one and hence it demands a regional solution,” CARICOM Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque said.

According to Ambassador LaRocque, the issue of crime and security is top among the three broad areas that are up for discussion at the upcoming CARICOM 28th Intercessional meeting to be held here in Georgetown.

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is deeply distressed at the violence which broke out in Dominica following a public meeting on Tuesday, 7 February.

CARICOM recognizes the right of citizens to engage in peaceful protest. However, the Community condemns the vandalism which resulted in the destruction of private property and businesses.

The Community urges all to act with restraint and maintain the orderly and peaceful society to which Dominicans and the wider Community are accustomed.

Registration for the Grand Market and Buyers’ Mall for CARIFESTA XIII is now open.

Producers of cultural products and services are encouraged to sign up for the event, which takes place during CARIFESTA XIII from August 17 to 27.

The CARICOM Chairman said that his presence at the Inauguration activities represents the region’s solidarity with Haiti, noting that the country has faced major catastrophes over the past 15 years, which have resulted in significant loss of life and damage to the country’s infrastructure. “It is a matter of recognition of the democratic process. President Moise has been elected democratically and it is a matter is support for the people of Haiti generally to let them know that they are not alone in their adversity… and we will continue to stand by them.

Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago The large number of deaths from breast and cervical cancer in the Caribbean is very alarming, since cervical cancer is largely preventable, and breast cancer can be detected early and treated successfully.