SURINAME’S President Chandrikapersad “Chan” Santokhi has just ended his stint as chair of Caricom with the view that the regional movement is in a good place.
President Santokhi has passed the Caricom leadership baton to Bahamas’ Prime Minister Phillip Davis in the 50th year of the grouping.
In his final address as Caricom chair, he made out a case for the importance of the organisation.
He spoke of leading Caricom during a period of global challenges, such as the Covid-19 pandemic and Russian-Ukrainian conflict, and the impact of energy prices and food supplies.
He told of measures in creating “a solid integration movement,” including progress toward a Caricom Single Market and Economy.
He discussed the platform through which regional entrepreneurs could offer products, from raw material to finished products.
“I encourage the private sector to use this platform well,” President Santokhi said.
He also referred to recent measures to ensure easier movement of skilled regional workers.
Suriname’s leader congratulated Guyana for spearheading the objective to reduce the region’s food import bill by 25 per cent by the year 2025.
He added: “There is great potential to expand the production of non-food items that are mainly imported.”
Noting that exports provide countries with growth opportunities, Santokhi said: “It is crucial to expand and diversify our production.”
He called on Caricom countries to participate in the industrial policy programme to develop the export potential of the non-food sector.
He reported that Caricom is strengthening ties with Africa, “one of the worst most dynamic and fastest-growing regions.”
Santhokhi added that the G20 countries offer another opportunity to bring challenges and opportunities to the international table.
Suriname’s president observed: “There is no more threat to our children, planet, and future generations than climate change.”
He said there are life-and-death implications.
He hailed the success of regional athletes in international competitions, especially female Jamaican runners.
“Sports are a cornerstone for developing a healthy population in the Caribbean,” Santokhi said.
The outgoing Caricom president called for support for Haiti.
“Democracy, free and fair elections, rule of law, and certainly the protection of fundamental human rights are indeed at the core of the Caribbean civilisation.
“We must foster and protect these also in the sister nation in need.”
