Guyana Unveils New Official Residence for CARICOM Secretary General

In a ceremony held on July 27, 2025, the Government of Guyana officially handed over a new official residence to the Secretary General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Dr. Carla Barnett. The residence, located in Georgetown, Guyana, is a symbol of the country’s commitment to regional cooperation and integration. The new residence is expected to provide a comfortable and secure living space for the Secretary General and her family. The handover ceremony was attended by high-ranking government officials, including the President of Guyana, Irfaan Ali, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd. In his remarks, President Ali emphasized the importance of regional cooperation and the role that Guyana plays in promoting unity and development in the Caribbean. He also highlighted the significance of the new residence, which he said would provide a conducive environment for the Secretary General to carry out her duties. The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hugh Todd, also spoke at the ceremony, praising the efforts of the Government of Guyana in providing a new residence for the Secretary General. He noted that the residence was a testament to Guyana’s commitment to regional cooperation and its desire to strengthen ties with other CARICOM member states. The Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett, expressed her gratitude to the Government of Guyana for the new residence, saying that it would enable her to carry out her duties more effectively. She also praised the warm hospitality of the Guyanese people and the beautiful surroundings of the residence. The new residence is a significant milestone in the history of CARICOM, which was established in 1973 to promote economic integration and cooperation among its member states. Over the years, CARICOM has played a crucial role in promoting regional development and cooperation, and the new residence is a testament to the organization’s growing importance. The residence is also a symbol of Guyana’s growing influence in regional affairs, and its commitment to promoting unity and development in the Caribbean. Guyana has been a member of CARICOM since its inception and has played a key role in shaping the organization’s policies and programs. The country has also hosted several regional meetings and conferences, including the annual CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting. The new residence is expected to host several high-level meetings and events, including meetings of the CARICOM Council of Ministers and the CARICOM Commission. The residence is also equipped with state-of-the-art facilities, including a conference room, a library, and a reception area. The handover ceremony was also attended by representatives of other CARICOM member states, who praised Guyana’s efforts in providing a new residence for the Secretary General. They noted that the residence would provide a comfortable and secure living space for the Secretary General and her family, and would enable her to carry out her duties more effectively. The ceremony was also covered by local and regional media, who highlighted the significance of the new residence and its importance for regional cooperation and integration. In conclusion, the handover of the new official residence to the CARICOM Secretary General is a significant milestone in regional cooperation and integration. It marks a new chapter in the history of CARICOM and demonstrates Guyana’s commitment to promoting unity and development in the Caribbean. The residence is a symbol of the country’s growing influence in regional affairs and its desire to strengthen ties with other CARICOM member states.

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