CARICOM accredits new Ambassador from Belize

Belize has a new Ambassador to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). His Excellency Daniel Gutierez presented his credentials to CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque on Wednesday, January 13th during the CARICOM Committee of Ambassadors meeting in Georgetown, Guyana.
“As a Member of the Committee, you [Gutierez] will be expected to assist in advancing implementation at the national level of decisions of the Organs of the Community,” said LaRocque during the short accreditation ceremony. At the meeting Gutierez remarked on how the best years of the integration movement lie ahead for what he calls the “tremendous untapped potential” that is within the Caribbean region.
“I am not the first and will not be the last to speak of the untold wealth, underdeveloped talent and the unshakable hope that characterize the brotherhood of nations that call themselves CARICOM… But as leaders and servants we are obligated to diagnose, understand and engineer solutions that will guide our people to resilience in the troubling waters ahead. The skies ahead darken with climate change, economic uncertainty, a haunting gap in education and technology with our global competitors and any number of parallel global challenges. Undaunted we shall remain,” said Gutierez.
CARICOM plans to address several global issues during 2016 by proposing strategy plans each community can take on. Gutierez indicated that the CARICOM’s hard work must be matched by action from the community. “2016 must be a year when words are made flesh. Low hanging fruit must be addressed with diligent haste and conviction. The people of the Caribbean spring hope eternal, but that hope cannot be abused. We owe them, the pioneers at Chaguaramas and all our children our most energetic and unflinching commitment. Ladies and gentlemen, at CARICOM we must make 2016 a year of action,” ended Gutierez.
Belize will play a significant role in CARICOM this year, as Prime Minister of Belize Dean Barrow has been appointed Chairman for the next six months. “Belize has been a very active participant in CARICOM throughout the years, hosting two important institutions: the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) and the Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mechanism (CRFM), both of which play leading roles in the sustainable development of the Community,” said Ambassador LaRocque.
According to LaRoque, Belize has a unique position as a member of both CARICOM and the Central American Integration System (SICA). “Belize acts as a catalyst for stronger ties between the two Regions – a role that CARICOM Member States have appreciated for the great potential that exists.”
The CARICOM Committee of Ambassadors is an important element of the governance structure of the Community, focusing on advancing the integration movement, and providing strategic advice and recommendations to the Community Council towards achieving that goal.