MESSAGE BY SENATOR THE HONOURABLE KAMINA JOHNSON SMITH, JP
MINISTER OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND FOREIGN TRADE
ON THE OCCASION OF THE FIFTY-FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE ESTABLISHMENT OF
THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM)
CARICOM DAY | 4th July 2024
I extend greetings to our sisters and brothers across the Caribbean as we celebrate CARICOM Day 2024!
This year’s observance is particularly poignant as it takes place within the context of Hurricane Beryl. This significant weather event became the earliest Category 4 and Category 5 Atlantic hurricane on record. The destruction and loss of life which it caused in the Eastern Caribbean and Jamaica, has deeply moved all governments and people of the region. Jamaica extends our sympathies and solidarity to our sister countries, even as we too assess and respond to the impact of this hurricane.
The postponement of the meeting of the Conference of CARICOM Heads of State and Government and the particularly destructive impact on the host country, Grenada, has amplified for us as a region our vulnerability to the increasing intensity and frequency of natural disasters caused by climate change. The seriousness of the impact on neighbouring countries and Jamaica, and indeed the region also amplifies the importance of all our voices in advocating for serious climate action to be taken by the world’s worst polluters, including meeting their financial commitments made at various junctures in global engagement.
As we move to build our resilience and to reinforce our economies beyond this very first event of the 2024 hurricane season, I trust that we will be able to find the space to reflect on our regional progress over the last 51 years.
The Community’s desire for sustainable development and advancement continues to be motivated by our significant strides and the shared interest in securing a prosperous future for our peoples. Last year, we were able to celebrate our 50th anniversary with a year-long series of commemorative activities across the region. Together, we highlighted our successful efforts in areas critical to development such as trade, education, health, security, climate change, disaster preparedness and mitigation, sport, as well as arts and culture.
Our cooperation and our solidarity encourage us all to continue to aspire to achieve the future envisioned by our founding leaders, and to build on the firm foundation laid towards the further development of our region. Jamaica reaffirms its commitment to playing its part in this regard, as we strive to advance the ambitions and vision of the Community.
I extend very best wishes and safe passage through this Hurricane season to all CARICOM nationals in Jamaica and across the wider Caribbean region on the occasion of CARICOM Day 2024.
