Grenada successfully hosted CARICOM’s 47th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, which took place from 28 July 2024 to 30 July 2024. To honour the Caribbean Community, Grenada has renamed the True-Blue Roundabout, which is located on the Maurice Bishop Highway in St George’s.
The renaming took place on the first day of the meeting before the meeting preceded. The Prime Minister and Chairman of CARICOM, Dickon Mitchell shared that the site that has been renamed would always remind the country that CARICOM is an important part of the island’s identity.
He further added the visitors, travelers, and outgoers who commute by air must pass by the CARICOM roundabout.
Prime Minister Mitchell noted that the site has been chosen, as the government wishes to make it clear that the Caribbean Community is Grenada’s integral part and Grenada is an integral part of the Caribbean community.
Further, the Prime Minister of Grenada acknowledged the role that CARICOM has played in shaping the history of the country. He emphasised on the Regional Security System, which was first positioned in Grenada to reinstate the law and order, helping the country get democracy in October 1983.
Later, CARICOM also supported Grenada in overcoming the impact of Hurricane Ivan, and a recent example is regional solidarity, which was showcased after the destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl.
It is to be noted that the fellow heads paid a visit to Grenada after it was badly hit by a category 4 storm, Hurricane Beryl. During their visits they have assessed the situation and have sent relief funds accordingly.
Also, as Dr. Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana and outgoing chairman of CARICOM, reached Grenada for the 47th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, he, along with Secretary-General Carla Barnett, visited the areas that were affected by the impact of Hurricane Beryl.
At the unveiling ceremony of CARICOM Roundabout, Secretary-General Barnett praised the efforts of Grenada and named it as the symbol of “unity, resilience, and collaboration.”
She further paid tribute to the founding fathers and past leaders of the community and Grenada, because of whose wisdom and determination the 50th anniversary as a joint unit could be celebrated.
Secretary-General Barnett expressed that the CARICOM roundabout will raise awareness and inspire the current and upcoming generations to take an active role in taking forward the vision of Caribbean Community.
