In a message published on the organization’s official website, Secretary General Carla Barnett described the country’s contribution to the advancement of the Community’s objectives as invaluable and considered that, as a founding member of the Community, it serves as an inspiration for other states.

We have benefited enormously from the unwavering commitment, dedication and active leadership demonstrated by the Government of Barbados, the representative said, who also highlighted the results of its efforts as responsible for promoting Caricom’s single market and economy.

In addition, as chairman of the organization’s Reparations Commission, she has been a leading voice for restorative justice and long overdue compensation for the historical wrongs committed against our people, the secretary general added.

Her vision and advocacy in multilateral fora, including a leadership role in pushing for the Bridgetown Initiative (to reform global financial governance), highlight Barbados’ determined efforts and the power of collective action to address the Community’s climate and development challenges, she said.

Barnett also noted the country’s achievements since its independence, and said it “can be proud of its rich culture and history, its enduring democratic traditions and its considerable progress towards prosperity and progress.

Caricom is comprised of Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Anguilla, Bermuda, Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos Islands, and British Virgin Islands are associate members.

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