Mr. Speaker, the undeniable shared heritage between Bermuda and our Caribbean neighbours makes for the strong relationship that is nurtured by our associate membership in CARICOM. I am pleased to advise this Honourable House of my attendance at the most recent and 49th Conference of CARICOM Heads of Government meeting, convened in Montego Bay, Jamaica. This coincides with the assumption of the chairmanship of that Conference of Heads by the Most Honourable Dr Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica.
Mr. Speaker, delegates were favoured with an opening ceremony featuring an address from the outgoing Chair, the Honourable Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of the Republic of Barbados. Prime Minister Mottley has become a global figure but remains committed to the vision of regional integration and ensuring that CARICOM and its related institutions achieve the best outcomes for Caribbean peoples. Her compelling call to action echoes much of what has been said around the world about the urgency of addressing the impact of climate change and shoring up economic diversification and self-sufficiency.
Mr. Speaker, an aggressive agenda was adopted which covered such diverse topics as Regional Security, the humanitarian crisis in Haiti, Regional transport, and telecommunications.
Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Bermuda it is always humbling to share our experiences in areas of common challenge and demonstrate the successes which we have enjoyed and the hard work we have devoted to these achievements. Caribbean colleagues are receptive to the Bermuda story and it was important to renew acquaintances and forge new partnerships in the wake of several elections in various countries since last we met.
Mr. Speaker, with my colleagues the Honourable Member, the Minister of Home Affairs and the Honourable Member for Constituency 11, it was important to build on the work started by the former Honourable Member and Deputy Premier, in pressing for the full detail on Bermuda’s pursuit of full membership in CARICOM.
Mr. Speaker, with the firm support of the Conference, technical and legal advisors within the CARICOM Secretariat will shortly provide us with the initial considerations for that full membership. These considerations will include financial matters, legal and Treaty matters and the areas of negotiation on those terms and conditions which we require be applied to Bermuda’s proposed membership.
Mr. Speaker, I wish to reiterate that the Government’s commitment is to a fulsome process which provides all necessary information to the public as we consider the next steps. The public consultation will be informed by facts and not age-old prejudices. There are too many commonalities between us and the Caribbean to contemplate this strong relationship being weakened by misinformation.
Mr. Speaker, Bermuda has renewed our association with the Caribbean Tourism Organisation, seen the Commissioner of Police, Mr. Darrin Simons, assume the presidency of the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police, and welcomed the participation of the Hon. Larry D. Mussenden, Chief Justice, in the 2025 Conference of Chief Justices and Heads of the Judiciary of the Caribbean, in Nassau, Bahamas.
We are integrated into the Caribbean, Mr. Speaker. We are welcomed by Caribbean entities and institutions and our service at the highest levels of regional bodies demonstrates that we are respected in and by the Caribbean.
Mr. Speaker, it is a strong relationship and this most recent attendance at the 49th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government served to strengthen that strong relationship. We look forward to the information now promised and to the engagement with the people of Bermuda that will further inform the next steps in the journey towards full membership in CARICOM.
Thank you, Mr. Speaker.