THE Government of Suriname on Tuesday last invested CARICOM Secretary-General Mr. Edwin Carrington with the Republic’s highest national award – the Grand Officer in the Order of the Yellow Star. The award was bestowed on the Secretary-General by Suriname President Desiré Bouterse, at a function in honour of the President’s 65th birthday at the Presidential Palace in Paramaribo.

President Bouterse also presented Dr. Edward Greene, Assistant Secretary-General, Human and Social Development, with the country’s second highest award, the Grand Sash in the Order of the Yellow Star.

In addition, the Surinamese youth, on behalf of the youth of the Region, also presented Secretary-General Carrington and Dr. Greene with the Youth Lifetime Award in “recognition of their leadership and commitment to act in equal partnership with us, the future of CARICOM”.

The Secretary-General, who participated in the arrangements on the occasion of Suriname becoming a Member of CARICOM in 1995, was surprised, deeply moved and highly appreciative of the Award. In expressing his thanks and appreciation, the Secretary-General stressed the contribution of his staff in that process. He made special reference to the active role which Suriname had been playing in CARICOM and particularly, that of the Youth of Suriname.

The Secretary-General, citing his imminent retirement, wished Suriname’s President and its people, continued success as part of the CARICOM Family.

The presentation of the award, Dr. Greene said, took him completely by surprise.
“Indeed, I was speechless, but I accepted with deep humility and a sense of pride that as a part of a team of dedicated regional public servants, we could make a difference, especially in the areas of human and social development.

The awards ceremony capped a two-day visit to Suriname by a team from the CARICOM Secretariat headed by the Secretary-General.

It included Dr. Greene, Ambassador Irwin La Rocque, Assistant Secretary-General, Trade and Economic Integration; and Ms. Glenda Itiaba, Chef de Cabinet, Office of the Secretary-General.