by CHRIS GOLLOP

PRIME MINISTER DAVID THOMPSON yesterday lauded his predecessor for the lead role he took in the regional integration movement.

In fact, Thompson told fellow Caribbean leaders that former Prime Minister Owen Arthur was deserving of a lasting tribute in recognition of his "enormous contribution" toward realising the goal of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

Addressing the 19th intersessional meeting of the CARICOM Heads of Government Conference in The Bahamas, Thompson said:

"As is customary, and in keeping with best practices as outgoing chair of CARICOM, allow me to highlight the work of the past six months and to assist in pointing the way forward.

"But before I do so, I would like to acknowledge the enormous contribution that my predecessors, and in particular my immediate predecessor, have made to the deepening of the relationship between the member states of CARICOM.

"You will recall that the Right Honourable Owen Arthur, as Prime Minister of Barbados and following on the work of his predecessor, had lead responsibility for establishing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy – one of the most important and sensitive components of the integration movement.

"It is generally believed in Barbados and abroad that he piloted this project with tremendous insight, tenacity and skill.

"I would therefore like to recommend that this august body create a lasting tribute, in the form of a University Chair or some other relevant regional programme, that would bring lasting benefits to future generations of Caribbean people.

"We need not look too far to find something to which we can lend the name of the former Prime Minister of Barbados," he said.

Having said that, Thompson made it clear that a change of Government in Barbados did not mean a shift in policy toward the regional
integration movement.

"The Government and people of Barbados remain resolutely committed to the ideals, principles and business of the Caribbean Community," he emphasised, noting that the islands of the region faced similar challenges.

"Foremost of these are the rising cost of living which deeply affects all Caribbean people, major criminal incursions on our way of life and the complexities that retard regional air and maritime transport.

"Now is the time for this consortium of new leaders to inject novel perspectives and employ a spirit of vigour towards extending the many benefits accruing to the region's people," Thompson said.