Arthur

BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Chairman Owen Arthur yesterday welcomed Jamaica's Prime Minister-designate Bruce Golding to the regional fold, telling him that he looked forward to working with him to advance regional integration.

In a message to the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) leader, Arthur, the Prime Minister with lead responsibility for the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), said Golding was coming into office at an interesting juncture in the region's history.

"Prime Minister, you assume office at a time when the Caribbean is in the process of negotiating new trade and economic relationships with our traditional partners.

"As Prime Minister of Jamaica, you will assume special responsibility for giving leadership to those crucial international negotiations on the region's behalf," the Barbados Prime Minister said.

Arthur told Golding his portfolio in the CARICOM quasi-Cabinet would fundamentally determine the region's future.

"As you commence your challenging mission, I take this opportunity to offer to you my best wishes for a full and rewarding term in office and the assurance of my continued support and understanding," he added.

He assured Golding, whose JLP won 33 of the 60 seats at stake in Monday's general election, of Barbados' full support

"I give every assurance that my government remains committed to working with your administration to further enhance that long-standing relationship," Arthur added.