The 30th Meeting of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) opened Thursday with sentiments of gratitude and appreciation to Guyana and its leader Bharrat Jagdeo for the warmth and hospitality they displayed. These sentiments were echoed by almost all of the CARICOM Heads of Government who made remarks at the opening of the conference after being escorted to on the stage of the National Cultural Centre (NCC).

Not only was Guyana lauded for taking up the mantle to host the conference, its Head of State was also praised for ascending to the Chairmanship of CARICOM and of the conference.

Grenadian Prime Minister Tillman Thomas, in his remarks, spoke on behalf of the regional heads in expressing optimism about President Jagdeo’s capabilities throughout his six-month tenure as chairman.

He said the warmth and hospitality shown by the Government and people of Guyana has succeeded in making the visiting delegation as comfortable as possible. The Prime Minister described this as most generous.

Meanwhile Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Baldwin Spencer, described Guyana as among the countries in the region which make him feel at home. He used the occasion to thank President Jagdeo for the warm hospitality extended to visiting delegations.

“I am confident that the atmosphere will contribute to a successful meeting,” Prime Minister Spencer said.

Guyana made months of preparations for hosting of the conference, through a committee set up by the Office of the President and chaired by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds.

All sectors of government and state with an identified role in the conference were active in the preparatory committee.

Regional Heads, accompanied by their delegations, began arriving in Guyana on July 1, and were still on their way minutes before the commencement of the conference which was broadcast live in Guyana on the National Communications Network (NCN) and around the Caribbean.

In response, President Jagdeo’s appreciation was one of warmest greetings and best wishes for a pleasant and productive stay in Guyana.

He thanked the Prime Minister of Belize for hosting the CARICOM Heads in March this year and for his stewardship as Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Government over the past six months.

Recognition was also given to the CARICOM Secretary General Dr Edwin Carrington and staff of the CARICOM Secretariat who, President Jagdeo said, continue to serve the regional enterprise with dedication and commitment. (GINA)