GEORGETOWN, Guyana, CMC –Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Irwin LaRocque has described Barbados as “a small state which has made a big impact on the world”.
In a congratulatory message to Prime Minister Freundel Staurt ahead of the island observing its 51st anniversary of political independence from Britain on Thursday, LaRocque said that the regional integration has benefitted from the “unwavering, valuable involvement” of Barbados as evidenced by its commitment and guidance to the completion of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

“The outstanding leadership displayed most recently in the successful hosting of CARIFESTA XIII in August 2017, despite having to brace for the passage of Tropical Storm Harvey, was one of the countless occasions when Barbados demonstrated its profound sense of community and its deep commitment to the Community,” LaRocque stated.
He said there was hardly any field of human endeavour in which Barbados has not marked itself on the global stage.
Barbados will mark the occasion under the theme “Celebrating Community Spirit – Inspiring Strength and Unity” and LaRocque said it resonates with both Barbados and the 15-member grouping.
“The occasion is, indeed, cause for celebration as Barbados has grown from strength to strength as a nation. There is hardly any field of human endeavour in which Barbados has not made a mark on the global stage. It has justly earned its reputation as a small state which has made a big impact on the world,” he added.
He said the regional grouping “salutes Barbados as it continues its journey to greater heights and joins with the country in celebrating this anniversary”.