PRIME MINISTER CALLS FOR FURTHER DEEPENING OF INTEGRATION  PROCESS BY CARICOM

ST. GEORGE’S, JULY 3rd, 2009 -- Grenada’s Prime Minister Hon. Tillman Thomas has called for CARICOM to move forward with the deepening of the integration of the region, based on its mandate agreed to at Grand Anse twenty years ago.

Addressing the opening ceremony of the 30th meeting of Heads of Government in Georgetown, Guyana on Thursday, the Prime Minister said the founding fathers took the bold step towards deepening the integration process and strengthening the Caribbean Community, to respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by the global economy.

The Grenadian leader told his counterparts that clear policy guidance, prudent policies and undertakings and an efficient monitoring mechanism are required until the worst of the current global crisis is past.

The Prime Minister told heads the issue of Climate Change has taken on “enormous significance,” describing 2009 as a watershed year for the culmination of a new intergovernmental regime to address the causes and impact of the problem.  

“The region needs to face the challenges head on, to ensure the provision of financing to assist vulnerable countries in adapting to Climate Change. These challenges are further compounded by the low performance of the agriculture sector; recent health issues such as the spread of the H1N1 virus, rising crime in a number of Member States, and setbacks to the integration process,” he said.

He said the regions response to the challenges can “be magnified” if the spirit of cooperation envisaged through the Grand Anse Declaration is adhered to.  

According to Thomas, finding “common ground” means the consolidation of existing relations with third world countries, the forging of alliances and concerted cooperation on matters of mutual concern that would prove beneficial to the region.  

“In this context the region must take a closer look at the importance of ensuring our energy is secure,…we have to evaluate the impact of current programmes that speak to our human resource development and the issues that will pose additional challenges to us in the medium and long terms," the Prime Minister implored.

He noted the impact of HIV/Aids and other health related issues on the region and gave his support to a call by the President of Suriname for a special summit on the region’s youth.

“There is no doubt that there are some critical decisions needed at this time in our region’s development. I urge an urgent approach to these issues, with a view to moving us forward as a region and as a people. Time, ladies and gentlemen is not on our side. Our people are becoming increasingly concerned about the future. We must ensure that concern does not turn into anxiety.” he told the Heads.