Commonwealth Secretary-General visits the Caribbean

Widespread devastation was caused across the Caribbean by Hurricane Ivan in September.

He will highlight Commonwealth cooperation on Small States in the lead up to the January 2005 International Meeting on Small States ( Barbados +10), in Mauritius.

The Secretary-General will also inspect the devastation in Grenada caused by Hurricane Ivan in September. The Commonwealth has played a key role in mobilising international support for Grenada and Mr McKinnon, will be taking forward a Commonwealth aid programme to fast track the reconstruction process. The Commonwealth Secretariat has pledged in excess of £1 million in technical cooperation assistance over the next three years. This includes support for the establishment of an Agency for Reconstruction and Development (ARD); revitalisation of the nutmeg industry; petroleum sector development; and legal drafting of reforms related to the recovery programme.

Mr McKinnon arrived in The Bahamas on 1 December. He departed the next day for Trinidad and Tobago , and he will visit Grenada on Saturday 4 December. From 4-5 December, the Secretary-General will visit Barbados before leaving for Antigua from 5-6 December.

The Secretary-General 's visit comes before a major regional workshop on Roles, Rights and Responsibilities of Government and Opposition, which the Secretariat will be holding in Trinidad and Tobago in February 2005; and the International Meeting on Small States. Both are important events on the Commonwealth calendar.

Related News:

• BBC Caribbean Service interview with the Secretary-General