I am pleased that this CARICOM/EC Institutional Strengthening Project has actually reached the stage where the main purpose of this meeting is to discuss the work plans of the various partner institutions involved and therefore to set the stage for the full implementation of the programmes that would collectively make a difference in the Region's struggle against HIV/AIDS. The Secretariat is pleased to be entrusted with the coordination of this programme of activities and for the collaboration of CAREC, CHRC, CRN+, UNAIDS and UWI in its implementation.

We also wish to acknowledge the tangible contribution of the European Commission and the spirit of partnership and cooperation displayed by Mr. Vincent de Visscher, Mr. Tom Massie and Mr. Keith Gordon of the Guyana Office during this start-up phase. It is a learning experience for us all as we plan an integrated approach and try to synchronize our assault on this devastating disease.

HIV and AIDS pose a major threat to the fragile socio-economic development of all Caribbean countries. Recent data from CAREC's surveillance of the disease confirm that outside sub-Saharan Africa, the Caribbean has the most rapidly increasing incidence of HIV infection. Already, many of the countries have HIV infection rates of 2% in the general population. Mortality from AIDS is high (60%) and the younger, productive segment of the population is especially at risk.

I do not have to recite these details to this group, as you know them and are here to assist in planning a comprehensive strategy to combat AIDS. This strategy embraces prevention, treatment and care for those with HIV/AIDS, research, resource mobilization and advocacy. I see the role of CARICOM as coordinator, as one which helps to facilitate the achievement of all the components of your strategic plan but with major competencies in resource mobilization and advocacy.

I am happy to note that in your agenda for this Project Advisory Group meeting, you will also be discussing the wider Pan-Caribbean Partnership of which this project is a critical but small component of the overall resources required to effectively stem the tide of destruction that is likely to be reeked on the Region.

A preliminary study by the Health Economics Unit of UWI, St. Augustine, estimates that the Action Plan for the Caribbean is approximately US$300-US$500 Million. United Nations Secretary-General, Mr. Kofi Annan, in a recent call for a Global Fund for HIV/AIDS, estimated this as being between US$6-8 Billion. However, without a strategic plan and without an effective management system, funds - even unlimited funds - would fail to have the maximum impact needed to achieve maximum results.

In this regard, the Pan-Caribbean Partnership has been cited by Kofi Annan in a recent speech to the World Health Assembly at WHO, Geneva as a good model. The Partnership Commitment signed on behalf of the Community, by the Rt. Hon. Owen Arthur, Prime Minister of Barbados and Chairman of CARICOM, and Prime Minister Denzil Douglas of St. Kitts and Nevis, the holder of the CARICOM Health Portfolio on behalf of the Community, continues to receive positive support.

More recent indications of contributions to the Partnership are likely from CIDA, the World Bank and IDB. UNAIDS has agreed to support an additional staff position to assist the Secretariat to strengthen its coordinating capacity. This is essential if as a coordinating facility, we could better serve the Region as a whole. I am happy that this Pan-Caribbean Partnership also includes the Dominican Republic, Haiti and Cuba. It is the only way to embark on a comprehensive regional approach.

To win the fight against the epidemic, I am convinced that there is an urgent need to scale up our response by:

• Reviewing national plans and developing new strategic plans.
  
• Increasing substantially, the national and international resources invested in HIV/AIDS programmes.
  
• Mobilisation of all segments of our societies in this effort: the public sector, the private sector, civil society especially those living with HIV/AIDS, and our international partners
  
• Ensuring increased political commitment and energetic leadership at community and national levels
  
• Ensuring the timely availability of reliable data, operational and behavioral research to better inform policy and for programme development and evaluation

This CARICOM/EC Project recognizes these as necessary outcomes and for this reason, we need to effectively utilize the funding of Euro7Million as a basis for triggering the additional resources. We need to use this Project as a catalyst to sensitize the Caribbean people and for translating the political commitment being displayed today by an increasing number of our leaders and practitioners, into tomorrow's success.

UNGASS provides us with an historical opportunity of collaborating with other nations and other regions to put this issue on the top of the political agendas and to engage all sectors. This CARICOM/EC Project is a demonstration of the essential nature of a multisectoral approach to AIDS and ushers in an era that signifies that the Caribbean is fighting back.

Before I close, let me personally thank Dr. Omawale, the Short Term Consultant who was charged with the most arduous task of coordinating the start-up phase of this Project for the effective manner and commitment he displayed in carrying out his role under relatively difficult circumstances. I am sure you will join me in saying that we are sorry that we were unable to keep him, or rather afford to keep him, for a longer period to assist in our fight back.

We also wish to thank Mrs. Marieanne Cholmondeley for the efficient and dedicated manner in which she too rallied around this Project in her capacity as Administrative Officer.

I wish you all a successful PAG Meeting.