WILLEMSTAD – According to Prime Minister Eugenne Rhuggenaath, yesterday marked an historic day that they have been working several years on. Rhuggenaath explained “After several meetings and conversations with the CARICOM ambassadors, during my bilateral visits with leaders of the countries of the region, yesterday I finally had the long-awaited meeting with the Secretary General Mr. Irwin La Roque and his delegation, to begin the official negotiations that will lead to Curaçao becoming an associate member of the Caribbean Community.”
At the meeting yesterday, Rhuggenaath said that, “On different occasions, we discussed the topic of how many mutual benefits exists if there are better integrations and communications between regional countries, in regards to topics such as economic development, connectivity, human resources and, at the same time, in health and security. And also to face common risks such as climate change and natural disasters.”
Rhuggenaath: “Caricom member countries are already collaborating closely on these issues and most Caricom members have one major thing in common with us, they are Small Islands Developing States (SIDS). Curaçao applied to become an associate member since 2012 and are still waiting for a response.” Rhuggenaath was extremely pleased with how the talks went yesterday. “Secretary General La Roque was also very excited and expressed his readiness to bring a message that we are also a part of #OneCaribbean, one family along with other leaders of the Caribbean countries. As I have done on the world stage, among others in the Security Council, I will continue to represent the Caribean voice and the voice of SIDS. As Minister-President, I will seek to channel this process with dedication so that we can achieve our goals in the Caribbean community together as soon as possible.”
