Prime Minister Hon. Philip J. Pierre attended the VI Summit of Heads of State and Government of Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) on Saturday.

The meeting aims to position Latin America and the Caribbean as major players on the global stage through the consolidation of the regional anti-COVID-19 pandemic coalition formed in January 2020. 

At the convention, Prime Minister Pierre called for increased unity and cooperation.

"Saint Lucia believes that regional economic integration provides a common platform through which members can best promote their interest with the rest of the international community. We respect this type of multilateral diplomacy," he said.

"Saint Lucia is a small country but our people share the same hopes and aspirations of people all over the world who care for a better quality of life. We believe that CELAC can serve as an important voice for unity and cooperation in our region. We look forward to the deliberations on self-sufficiency in health matters particularly at the time when our countries are plagued by the COVID-19 pandemic. Saint Lucia believes that unity and integration of the people of CELAC can serve the people of our region in good stead."

The CELAC Summit was held on Sep. 18, in Mexico City.

For the full text of the Prime Minister's speech, visit: http://www.govt.lc/news/vi-summit-of-heads-of-state-and-government-celac or download the PDF attached.