The CARICOM Heads of Government unanimously approved a declaration on international terrorism, which asserts that no political cause or national grievance could ever justify the terrorist attacks of September 11, in which more than 6,000 people, mostly civilians, were killed. They also expressed their support for "any concerted action by the international community to eliminate terrorism."

The CARICOM Heads approved the declaration at their special session last week in Nassau, Bahamas, convened to assess the economic impact of the events of September 11, on the region.

In the declaration, the CARICOM Heads reaffirmed their commitment to work with the international community in the "multifaceted fight against terrorism in accordance with international law and conventions" and pledged their support "for efforts to bring to justice the perpetrators, organizers and sponsors of these terrorist attacks."

Among other things, the CARICOM Heads noted that the events of September 11, "will require of us extraordinary vigilance and coordination in the future, to ensure that our territories, our institutions and our citizens are not used in any manner to facilitate the activities of terrorists or to undermine our national and regional security."

As a result the CARICOM Heads have mandated their security and other relevant authorities "to implement with immediate effect a more comprehensive system of intelligence gathering, analysis and sharing within, and among member states, for the protection and security of our borders, coastlines and airspace.

"An urgent review of our national and regional capacities to fulfil these tasks will be undertaken shortly and strategies proposed for their enhancement."

They pledged as part of their contribution to the international coalition against terrorism "to redouble our efforts to prevent the use and abuse of our financial services sectors by fully cooperating with the United Nations and the international community in the tracing and freezing of the assets of terrorists, their agents and supporters.

"We support the efforts of the international and regional financial institutions to develop strategies and programmes to mitigate the economic loss experienced by countries, and look forward to the Caribbean countries participating fully and meaningfully in such strategies and programmes."

They also commended "the participation of their private sector partners, labour and non-governmental organizations in developing adequate responses to the current crisis."

The Heads also "reaffirmed our continued respect for pluralism as well as for ethnic, religious and cultural diversity within our societies and call upon the international community to redouble its efforts to promote and sustain ethnic, religious and cultural tolerance throughout the world and its commitment to the economic and social advancement of all peoples."

They reiterated their determination "to preserve for the enjoyment of all a Caribbean, which is peaceful, law abiding, economically dynamic and politically stable, safe and secure for citizens, visitors, and business persons alike."

"Firm in our conviction that this reflects the highest aspirations of the people of our Community, we are confident that they will join wholeheartedly in the national and regional response to the challenges that confront us."