GGs reaffirm their commitment

While Caribbean nations have become autonomous and independent, the relationship between the region and the Crown, while it evolved, remains a significant component of the Commonwealth.

 

This was observed by the Private Secretary to Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II, Sir Christopher Geidt, during the 15th Meeting of Presidents and Governors-General of the Caribbean Region.

 

The meeting, which concluded on Friday, discussed Caribbean integration, the role and function of the Caribbean Court of Justice, regional challenges including climate change and banking in the Caribbean. Issues affecting Caribbean youth, human rights and the threat of Zika in the Region were also key agenda items.

Sir Christopher stressed that the Crown, now independently related to the Caribbean, remains committed to the service of each jurisdiction with which it is associated as a matter of duty and inclination.

 

Recognising the right of the jurisdictions of the region to choose their final Court of Appeal, Sir Christopher said that the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council, which has a long history of interpreting laws from many different countries and territories and within a wide range of contexts, will continue to offer services to the Caribbean for as long as it is wanted.

 

Sir Christopher further acknowledged that the Crown, through The Queen and other Members of the Royal Family, are determined to play their part in celebrating and projecting the role of the Crown in the Caribbean through working on issues that are vital to the region, including sustainable development, environmental protection and youth opportunity.

 

Their Excellencies, therefore, reaffirmed their commitment to continuing the traditional bonds of unity and brotherhood with the Crown through Her Majesty The Queen and the Commonwealth of Nations, including the Caribbean, with the expressed aim of advancing the aspirations of the peoples in an ever evolving Caribbean.

 

They agreed that the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth Caribbean can and should do more to reinvigorate the relations among our nations, desiring to promote stability, continuity and national focus as the Caribbean goes through a period of change. (TL)