Sir Edwin Carrington appointed T&T’s Ambassador to CARICOM

Nov 17, 2011 News

Former CARICOM Secretary General Sir Edwin Carrington has been appointed Trinidad and Tobago’s ambassador to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). He presented his credentials yesterday, to Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin La Rocque at the CARICOM secretariat Headquarters, Turkeyen.

(From left) Sir Edwin Carrington hands over his credentials which was accepted by CARICOM Secretary-General, Irwin LaRocque

According to Secretary-General, Irwin LaRocque, the Community has the opportunity to receive a distinguished son of the soil who has played an instrumental role in advancing the regional integration movement and in building the Community.
He said that Carrington’s appointment is testimony to Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to the continued advancement of the Region, given the selection of an ambassador of such high calibre.
Adding that Sir Edwin Carrington has made a tremendous contribution to the Community, Secretary-General, LaRocque said in his new capacity, he will bring a repository of knowledge and expertise to the table during the deliberations of the Community, so that CARICOM may continue to benefit from the breadth of his insight and experience.
Noting that Sir Carrington has been instrumental in further developing the regional architecture for Security; Secretary-General, LaRocque said that the high cost of energy may very well be addressed in part, by the proposed gas pipe line to neighbouring Member States.
Sir Edwin, he said, is also cognisant of the tireless efforts of Trinidad and Tobago to increase the visibility and the awareness of the Region through the hosting of various hemispheric and international events, and through its leadership role in various fora.
“Against this background I accept, Sir Edwin, your credentials and formally bid you a hearty welcome back to the Headquarters of the Community in your new capacity…It goes without saying that we all look forward to continuing to work with you in pursuit of the goals of our Region which you yourself have been so instrumental in building.” Secretary-General, Irwin LaRocque said.
Sir Edwin Carrington said that with the accession of Irwin LaRocque to the office of Secretary-General the Community is in very capable and committed hands.
“All the world’s a stage and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances, and one man in his time plays many parts…,” he said, quoting Shakespeare.
He said that the present appointment would be his third relationship with the Secretariat of the Caribbean Community.
“My first, from 1970-1976, saw me occupy the position of Chief of Economics and Statistics and subsequently of Director of Trade and Integration.
“My second, as virtually all of you would be aware, was as Secretary-General from 1992-2010, a period in which I had the great pleasure and satisfaction of working with most of you present here today, in leading the institution for virtually what was half of the life of the integration process…
“My third relationship, that on which I hope to embark today, is one in which I am looking forward to yet another opportunity to contribute to the development of our Caribbean Community, this time from the outside, as it were, of the Secretariat.” Carrington said.
He also recalled that Trinidad and Tobago is a Founding Member of the Community. Despite many changes, it remains committed to its continued growth and development.