(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) In the run-up to the Thirty-First Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Montego Bay, Jamaica, early in July, His Excellency Edwin Carrington, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has underscored the role of Jamaica in the integration movement.

At a media clinic anchored in Kingston, Jamaica, to provide in-depth information on the subjects that would be addressed at the Summit, the Secretary-General pointed out that Jamaica’s contribution to the integration movement had always been pivotal.

He pointed out that Montego Bay could be “truly said to be the cradle of modern Caribbean integration movement.”

“Many may not remember that it was in Montego Bay in 1947 that a number of prominent figures of the then British Caribbean colonies gathered to discuss closer association laying the ground work for regional togetherness and bringing us to where we are today - a Single Market aiming to become a Single Economy, a process which, however, is proving to be more difficult than was anticipated,” he recalled.

This time around, more than 165 delegates from the Region are expected in Montego Bay for the Summit that will be held from 4-7 July.

Her Excellency Ambassador Elinor Sherlock, Chief of State Protocol, Government of Jamaica, told representatives of the media that all arrangements, including security, accreditation and transportation, had been put in place for the Conference. The opening ceremony will be held at the Half Moon Hotel on Sunday 4 July, while the Conference venue will be the Rose Hall Resort and Spa, A Hilton Resort.

About 165 delegates from the Region, as well as guests are expected in Montego Bay for the Meeting.

“Jamaica stands ready and very happy to have been selected to host the upcoming regular Meeting of the Heads of Government,"  Ambassador Sherlock said.

CONTACT: piu@caricom.org