South Korea will make a five-fold increase in its contribution to the Korea-Caricom Cooperation Fund next year.
Prime Minister Han Duck Soo made the announcement at the Hyatt Regency yesterday as international guests at Caricom’s 50th-anniversary celebrations paid tribute during a session hosted by Caricom chairman Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit of Dominica.
The South Korean Prime Minister said Caricom has been a steadfast friend to his country. He said South Korea is committed to building long-term and sustainable cooperation in areas such as climate change, marine environment, food security and renewable energy in the years ahead.
“To demonstrate our unwavering commitments to Caricom, I’m pleased to announce that we will increase our contribution to the Korea-Caricom Co-operation Fund five-fold next year,” he stated to applause.
President of the Development of Bank of Latin America (CAF) Sergio Diaz Granados said in honour of Caricom’s anniversary, the bank will change its corporate branding to the ‘The Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean.’
The only surviving signatory to the Treaty of Chaguaramas, P Austin Bramble, former Chief Minister of Montserrat, said at age 92 he couldn’t claim to remember accurately what occurred in 1973 but recalled that it was very challenging “and not easy”.
Bramble said the fact that Caricom remained for 50 years suggests that those with the vision, and who did the planning and signed the Treaty “may have at least got some things right. “
Also paying tribute, China’s foreign affairs representative gave a statement on China’s relations with the regional grouping, while Canada’s representative Manhinder Sidhu said his country supports Caribbean trade and will continue to listen to the region’s needs and work as a strategic partner. Sidhu said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau looked forward to meeting regional leaders at the Canada/Caricom summit in September
David Ruffley, UK Minister for the Caribbean, brought a congratulatory message from King Charles III. He noted Caricom’s condemnation of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and its climate change concerns.
Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Patricia Scotland described Caricom as a cherished friend and member that had offered the world so much.
“Fifty years 0f solidarity, of standing up for what’s right and giving a voice to the vulnerable,” she said.
Scotland said as a Dominican, she was proud to be “part of you and to come from you.”
OAS Secretary-General Luis Almagro said Caricom met challenges and survived and stayed united and that was a lesson for the region and hemisphere - and a blessing.
Mexico’s representative spoke about the litigation against US firearms manufacturers and the recent meeting between Caricom and the US Vice President. He said Mexico is trying to find solutions.