(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General has saluted Antigua and Barbuda’s achievements as the CARICOM Member State celebrated its Thirtieth Anniversary of Independence, yesterday, 1 November 2011.

In a message to Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Honourable Baldwin Spencer, the CARICOM Secretary-General said that Antigua and Barbuda's “steadfast commitment to regional integration is very valued and appreciated.”

He applauded the citizens’ outstanding contributions in various endeavours, which he said, had increased the country’s visibility in international fora, and in the Region. “Antigua and Barbuda can feel justifiably proud to have reached this significant milestone in its history,” Ambassador LaRocque said.

The full text of the message reads:

Honourable Prime Minister, On behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), I extend warmest congratulations to you and the people of Antigua and Barbuda on the occasion of your country’s Thirtieth Anniversary of Independence. Antigua and Barbuda can feel justifiably proud to have reached this significant milestone in its history.

The theme, “Antigua and Barbuda, One Family Moving Towards A Secure Future” is a reflection of the commitment of the Government and people of Antigua and Barbuda to the advancement of their country, in a spirit of togetherness and unity to ensure a prosperous and secure future for the next generation.

Prime Minister, citizens of Antigua and Barbuda have made outstanding contributions in various fields of endeavour which have increased the visibility in international fora, of their country and indeed the entire Region. Their achievements, in particular in the fields of sports and culture, have served to make your country and our Region proud.

Antigua and Barbuda's leadership in and steadfast commitment to regional integration is very valued and appreciated. This is demonstrated by, inter alia, your excellent leadership, Prime Minister, as Lead Head of Government for Services - a sector which is a main contributor to the economies of Member States - within the CARICOM quasi-cabinet arrangement; and your country's active participation in and positive contributions to the Organs, Bodies and Institutions of the Caribbean Community.

On behalf of the Community, I extend very best wishes for the continued development and well-being of Antigua and Barbuda. We look forward to Antigua and Barbuda’s continued participation in the work of the Region as the Community seeks to deepen the process of regional integration.

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