Guyana committed to raising quality of Caribbean life
Prime Minister Sam Hinds has pledged the commitment of Guyana to ensuring the creation of a higher quality of life for the people in the Caribbean. The Prime Minister made these remarks on Friday night during a reception and awards ceremony hosted by the CARICOM Secretariat as part of its Silver Jubilee Celebration at Colgrain House. Hinds said that this must be the ultimate vision of the future for the region, noting that Guyana's commitment to this goal and indeed to the whole integration process, has been evident since it signed the Treaty of Chaguaramas in July, 1973, giving birth to the Caribbean Community. "Guided by the principles of our treaty, the member states have channelled their efforts towards the economic and social development of the region," Hinds declared. He alluded to the crystallisation of the integration process which he felt had come about because of the collaboration of the states in the 15-member grouping in the areas of economic integration, and functional cooperation, to name a few areas. "There have been challenges and obstacles along the way and we will undoubtedly face more. However, the ultimate goal of regional unity must continue to be a beacon for the future," Hinds said. Hinds spoke about CARICOM's solidarity with Guyana in the aftermath of the December 15, 1997 general elections. "I take this opportunity to express the appreciation of the Government of Guyana and indeed, the people of Guyana for the pivotal role played by CARICOM." The Prime Minister underlined his government's commitment to the maintenance of peace and democracy and assured CARICOM Secretary-General, Edwin Carrington, that it "will play its part in ensuring the success of the Herdmanston Accord and the St Lucia Statement." On the wider regional scene, Hinds called on the community to consolidate its efforts in priority areas such as sustainable development and the need to stimulate production to reduce high levels of poverty and unemployment. He also called for environmental practices that could go hand in hand with economic development. Hinds said that if the people are to benefit from development they must be able to do so on an equitable basis. "I hope that through CARICOM, we can reinforce the call for a New Global Human Order," he stated. And on the Single Market and Economy, the PM said that regional leaders must ensure that their people are fully sensitised to the benefits of this arrangement. He felt that in seeking to create one single economic space, emphasis should be placed on the optimum use of the region's resources. Hinds also observed that the plight of developing countries like Guyana needed to be brought into plain focus within the ambit of the World Trade Organisation. He said CARICOM must redouble its efforts to ensure that member states participate effectively in the Free Trade Area of the Americas. The Prime Minister however warned that amid all these developments the region must strive to maintain its Caribbean identity. "In order to do so, we have to begin with our young people who must be encouraged to focus on a Caribbean historical, political, economic, cultural and literary agenda," Hinds advised. Friday night's function was also attended by Mayor Hamilton Green and members of the diplomatic corps. 
|