CARICOM Strengthens Relations With Regional And Third-State Partners

Diplomatic relations between CARICOM and a Member State, as well as two third-state partners, were strengthened on Tuesday, March 14, when CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett, accredited three new ambassadors at the CARICOM Secretariat.

The Secretary-General accepted the letters of credence of His Excellency Larry Vaughan, Ambassador of St. Kitts and Nevis to CARICOM; His Excellency Itai Bardov, Ambassador of Israel to CARICOM; and His Excellency Rytis Paulauskas, Ambassador of Lithuania to CARICOM.

Secretary-General Barnett said the accreditation of Ambassador Vaughan presented an opportunity for a fresh perspective on various issues confronting the Community.

She said CARICOM has benefitted from St. Kitts and Nevis’ commitment to regional integration, particularly in human resource development, and health and wellness, as lead Head of Government in the CARICOM Quasi cabinet for those areas.

“Given the multifaceted challenges presented by the protracted COVID-19 pandemic and its severe impact on lives and livelihoods in the Region, this Quasi-Cabinet portfolio is essential to the Region’s post-pandemic recovery,” Secretary-General Barnett stated.

In his remarks, Ambassador Vaughan reflected on the tasks ahead to improve competitiveness in all sectors across the Member States, achieve more coordinated trade negotiation outcomes, and advocate for global appreciation for the multifaceted nature of our vulnerabilities. He committed to actively working with his colleagues in the Committee of Ambassadors for the shared benefit of the people of the Community.