GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Incoming Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Bahamian Prime Minister Phillip “Brave” Davis, says the regional body continues to make strides as, along with The Bahamas, the 50th anniversaries will be celebrated.
In his message to mark the New Year, Davis said the milestone comes at a time when
“regional cooperation has never been more urgent and necessary. The shock of and response to the Covid-19 pandemic starkly illustrates the limitations of working alone.”
“Working alone, none of us will be able to overcome the existential threat posed by climate change. Working alone, none of us can fully seize the opportunities of the new world order, where old certainties are fast disappearing, and new technologies favor the agile and the clever.”
The incoming chairman said CARICOM and The Bahamas share standard histories— trials, traumas, and triumphs.
“As regional neighbors, we have, through the years, encountered many of the same hurdles, beat down the same walls, and conquered the same challenges. And indeed, we owe it to ourselves and each other to recognize that we are and always have been in this together.”
“We are at a tipping point where we must build on and strengthen the
Foundations of the past 50 years. There is already much on the agenda,” he added.
“Our Community is making great strides towards ensuring food and nutrition security. And we are on track to reduce our food import bill by 25 percent by 2025.”
According to the Bahamian Prime Minister, with the help of international partners, “we also want to make further progress on our
Plans to increase the use of renewable energy. This is an alternative to expensive fossil fuel-based energy and a critical means of reducing carbon in the fight against climate change.”
He added that CARICOM would also continue to work closely and vigorously with other Small Island and Low-lying Coastal Developing States (SIDS) “to continue our advocacy on the many issues relating to climate change, which impact us all. In particular, we will aggressively push for the ‘Loss and Damage Fund’ agreed at COP27 in Egypt to be fully operational.”
Concerning Haiti, Davis said the regional body is also determined to help Haiti resolve its challenges.
“The beleaguered people of Haiti desperately need respite from the political, economic, and security crises which have engulfed the country. We will continue to support all stakeholders in crafting a Haitian-led solution. For CARICOM, resolving the immediate crisis will be a first step towards crafting a long-term sustainable development plan for Haiti.”
“My thanks to the President of Suriname, His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi, for his excellent stewardship of the Community over the past six months. With the help and support of my colleague Heads of Government, I look forward to building on his legacy.”
“This New Year holds much promise for our Caribbean Community. Over the next 50
We will continue to seek to strengthen our partnership so that all of our people’s lives are better. A Prosperous and Productive 2023 to you all!”
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