President Bharrat Jagdeo has reiterated his appeal for a more meaningful and impacting role of the Caribbean Community in the promotion of regional integration. The Guyanese head of state made these remarks when newly appointed Caricom Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, paid him a courtesy call on Friday, August 26.
Ambassador LaRocque was inducted as the sixth secretary general of Caricom on August 15. At that occasion, he called for a turnaround in the architecture and governance of the community’s integration arrangements.
He told the Government Information Agency (GINA) about the admiration and respect which President Jagdeo has gained in his push for integration in the region.
Outgoing British High Commissioner (ag) Simon Bond shares a light moment with President Bharrat Jagdeo
“President Jagdeo has always been very much in the forefront of regional integration, of advocating that we do things more meaningful to the people of the region; and the discussion and his (choice of) words of advice (have) centred on how we can be more impactful, and I welcome the exchange,” Ambassador LaRocque disclosed.
In his inaugural speech as secretary general of Caricom, LaRocque said reform in the architecture and governance of the community’s integration arrangements is necessary if member states are to be more effective and accountable in the discharge of their duties.
He acknowledged that his appointment came at a time when the region was still experiencing the effects of the global financial and economic crises, and the commitment of leaders to integration is questioned. It is also a time when the world is grappling with rising food and fuel prices.
His appointment as Caricom secretary general was also a highpoint which ambassador LaRocque credited to President Jagdeo, who he said was a big supporter of his candidacy for the position.
“I express my appreciation for that, and I value this exchange so much; and I look forward to his continuous wisdom on how we can forward the regional integration,” LaRocque said.
