Dr. the Honourable Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community
Their Excellencies the Presidents of Guyana and Suriname
Other Distinguished Heads of Governments
Honourable Ministers
Members of Parliament (and High Government Officials)
Members of the Diplomatic Corps
Distinguished Representatives of Regional and International Organisations
Chairman and Members of the Technical Working Group on Governance
Distinguished Guests
Special Invitees
Members of the Media
Ladies and Gentlemen

For the second time in its history, the supreme authority of the Caribbean Community – the Conference of Heads of Government - is meeting in the beautiful Member State of St Vincent and the Grenadines. It first did so at the very commencement of the 21st century in 2000. On that occasion, the Conference met in the Grenadines in the Island of Canouan.

Much can and no doubt will be said about the many attributes of the beautiful collection of islands comprising this Member State of the Community – which has been one of the unshakeable pillars of regional integration. I will however leave that to its proud Prime Minister and our Chairman. Permit me in the discharge of my limited function today of Chairman of this opening occasion to remind us all of the determination and resilience of the original inhabitants of these islands whose resistance to dictation, even to the point of choosing death over compliance earned them an unforgettable place in the history of this nation and region - who can forget Leapers Hill and Balliceaux.

It is that spirit of determination and persistence which I hope will characterise our efforts in building a Caribbean Community worthy of the highest aspirations of our people.

With these few words, I welcome you all, none more so than the new Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, whose return to the leadership of his country also brings with it a vast store of experience to our regional endeavours – or should I say regional determination. I cannot end, however limited my remit, without conveying heartfelt thanks to the Government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines for their warm and hospitable welcome once again to their beautiful island.

Finally, distinguished Heads of Government, Honourable Ministers, esteemed guests, ladies and gentlemen, this being an Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference, we do not attempt to adorn it with the usual pomp and ceremony of our gatherings. We do know, however that that would make no difference to the visionary exposition which will issue forth from our Chairman, Dr the Honourable Ralph Gonsalves, when he addresses us.

I now have the honour and pleasure of calling on the outgoing Chairman of the Caribbean Community, the Hon. Dr Denzil Douglas, Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis to address us.