‘We are family’ – Hon. Mia Mottley

Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Hon. Mia Mottley, on 18 February 2020, addressed the opening of the Thirtieth Intersessional Meeting in Barbados.

The following are some highlights of  her message , considered both timely reminders and a profound call to action.

• Perfecting the vision of ourselves (the Community) and acting to create that final vision.
• Determining how best to confront challenges which continue to present themselves. “There is always strength in unity”.
• The Community is meeting not because of a common ideology, but because of familial bonds. “we are family; we are kith and kin. At any level: countries, homes and communities being kith and kin must stand or something”
• Despite challenges we must determine how best to move forward with the character that defines us as being resilient.
• There is need for some self-examination, including reviewing Community governance
• Respect for process: “We have to be able to explain to people that in this modern world where everyone expects instantaneous action that we are involved an activity that more often than not is about respect for process in order to attain the results that we want”,
• Belief in the Region’s  ability to have regional communication that is affordable and accessible is an absolute priority.  Against this backdrop it is recognisd that the digital economy can play in new and powerful role in the development of our economies.
• A modest fixed single charge for roaming for all CARICOM nationals to cover the cost of data for the popular social media platforms will be announced shortly.

Please see full text of PM Mottley’s address

Source: CARICOM TODAY