The torch relay is part of the 30th anniversary celebrations of the grouping.

It is one of the key events of the 30th anniversary programme of CARICOM and all member countries are participating in the activity to demonstrate unity and peace across the region.

It is a symbolic event that holds a message for the peoples of CARICOM as they try to forge the much talked about but elusive unity in the region.

As part of the unity thrust, there have been steps towards free movement of people among member states but this is fraught with problems.

As was highlighted in the media recently, Guyanese travellers, for example, are still subject to harassment by immigration officials in Barbados and this does not augur well for the regional unity leaders and others so often talk about.

It is to be hoped that the Torch of Unity relay would help in some way to better illuminate the way forward for the community to meaningful integration of its peoples.

Minister of Culture, Youth and Sports, Ms. Gail Teixeira at a ceremony in Georgetown Sunday, lauded the initiative and said Guyana was very pleased to be part of the Torch of Unity run being conducted under the theme of regional peace and unity.

She also indicated that the event is very symbolic and allows the region to be very optimistic about looking forward to the future - in peace and unity.

In this regard, she reiterated the desire of the Guyanese people for national and regional unity.

"We are very happy that on our 30th anniversary of CARICOM, that this symbol - the Torch of Unity - has taken place...and it serves as an indication that the people of CARICOM are committed to see themselves as one and to work towards regional unity and peace," Ms. Teixeira said.

According to her, the torch served as a reminder to Guyanese that they should live in unity despite their problems.

This, she said, would allow for the younger generation to live in an environment of peace and unity.

We endorse her sentiments which have special significance at this time in this country.

The fabric of the Guyanese society has been under severe strain for several years from political pressures and events such as the regional Torch of Unity relay can only help to buttress the movement for deeper unity of the Guyanese people.

It is noteworthy that the teams relaying the torch on the Guyana leg were made up of young people because they are the ones who would have to be the torchbearers of the unity that has to be forged in this country.