In a message congratulating the Government and People of Jamaica on the country’s Sixty-third Independence Anniversary, CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett highlighted the great strides which the country has made in the sphere of economics and social development. Its “exemplary leadership both regionally and internationally”, critical role in the Regional Integration process, and its strong direction on External Trade Negotiations in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet, were also recognised by the Secretary-General. Jamaica’s coordinating role on behalf of the Community for the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti and the successful hosting and chairing of the Forty-ninth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Montego Bay also received commendation. The Secretary-General’s full message to Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, ON, PC, MP, Prime Minister of Jamaica is below: “Dear Prime Minister,On behalf of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), I take great pleasure in congratulating the Government and People of Jamaica on this celebration of the country’s Sixty-Third Anniversary of Independence. Jamaica has much to celebrate, having made great strides in its economic and social development. The country has also demonstrated exemplary leadership both regionally and internationally, and has blazed a cultural footprint on the global stage, through music, sports, art, cuisine, and other areas of endeavour. Prime Minister, as a Founding Member of the Caribbean Community, Jamaica continues to play a key role in the Regional Integration process. As current Chair of the Conference of Heads of Government, Jamaica is in good stead to drive momentum towards achieving many of the Community’s objectives, as demonstrated during your successful hosting and chairing of the Forty-Ninth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, held in Montego Bay in July. The Community has greatly benefitted also from Jamaica’s coordinating role on behalf of CARICOM for the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSS) in Haiti, and leadership on External Trade Negotiations, in keeping with your assigned role in the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet. I look forward to Jamaica’s leadership as the Community seeks to strategically and effectively navigate evolving global dynamics, and preserve the interests of our citizens, who remain the key Stakeholders in the Regional Integration process.We extend our best regards to the Government and People of Jamaica, trusting that your vibrancy, creativity, and commitment to excellence will continue to foster even greater future growth and development.”