The impact of the novel coronavirus outbreak on countries across the world is definitely attracting the attention of leaders in CARICOM, despite the fact that the countries in the 15-member grouping remain virus free.
Speaking yesterday during the opening ceremony of the 31st Inter-Sessional Meeting Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) at the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Secretary General of CARICOM, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque said CARICOM is facing head on the potential challenge posed by the deadly virus, that has claimed more than 1 000 lives globally and is proving difficult to contain.
This, he said, is despite the fact that the World Health Organisation (WHO) has deemed the risk to the Caribbean to be low.
“...We adopted a proactive approach and convened an emergency meeting of Ministers of Health on the virus, with participation from the Caribbean Public Health Agency CARPHA, the Pan-American Health Organisation, the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security IMPACS and the Caribbean Disaster Management Agency. The Regional Security System has also played a critical role in transporting samples for laboratory testing at CARPHA,” he said.
LaRocque added, “I must commend the collaboration that is taking place, as another example of the coordination that is required in addressing some of the challenges to our integration process and to have a positive sustained impact on the lives of our citizens”.
Regionalism at work
The Secretary General’s comments were endorsed by the Immediate Past Chair of the Heads of Government, Prime Minister of St. Lucia Allen Chastanet, as he said the region’s response to the coronavirus is a great example of our regionalism at work. He bolstered the point while referring to the assistance given to St. Lucia by the Regional Security System (RSS) to get samples from that island nation to CARPHA for testing.
“... They quickly came back to us with news that we were coronavirus free. I cannot say to you what a relief it was to the people of St. Lucia. We are so thankful as a nation to the RSS and CARPHA for going above and beyond. This reminds us of the importance of being part of a union, being part of a group in times of emergency... You had St. Lucia’s back and thank you; this is what being part of CARICOM is all about,” he stated.
His remarks came as he said that as elected leaders they have to be prepared to rise to the various challenges that confront them. He went further, contending that the time has come for
the regional integration movement to be intensified to afford greater benefits and opportunities to all. (JRT)
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