Caribbean Heads of Government Met With US VP Harris

Prime Minister Briceño met with fellow Caribbean Heads of Government in the Bahamas. On Thursday they met with the United States Vice President Kamala Harris during the CARICOM Heads of GovernmentMeeting.

Accompanying PM Briceño at the #CARICOM Heads Meeting is Minister of Foreign Affairs Hon. Eamon Courtenay and CARICOM Ambassador H. E. Lawrence Sylvestre.

According to Aljazeera.com: United States Vice President Kamala Harris has announced that her country is investing more than $100m in the Caribbean region to crack down on weapons trafficking, help alleviate Haiti’s humanitarian crisis and support climate change initiatives.

The announcement was made ahead of an official trip to the Bahamas on Thursday for a meeting of Caribbean and US leaders, hosted by Harris and Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Davis.

As part of the initiatives announced on Thursday, the US justice department expects to appoint a coordinator to oversee cases involving illegal weapons smuggling in the Caribbean, as island nations report a rise in violent crimes.

must always be grateful because every single moment in our life makes us who we are, at this very second and at this very moment.

The greatest power in life is trying and never giving up. Remember that nothing comes easy; trying is proof that you are powerful enough to put effort into what you want, your dreams. Even if it isn’t your first attempt at completing something, don’t give up. In the beginning, I assumed that amongst us all, there was at least one person who didn’t give up, but as I look at you all, with your caps and gowns, I can firmly say that there are 70 individuals who truly did not give up.

Graduates don’t let anything obstruct your way of completing what you want to achieve. You know, life is funny, it is something that will challenge you when you least expect it. I for one can say that choosing to make the most of what life throws at you will help mold you into the person you strive to become. It is your utmost duty to become crafty and ensure that you make the best of it. You only live once, so live as if it were your last. As we say our last high school hurrah, remember that it is important to focus on the fact that we need to carry on with the next chapter. Let us be proud of one another for the common hardships we endured and keep pushing forward in our future endeavors.

As we walk out as the newest Bishop Martin High School alumni, let us reminisce on the greatest memories we all shared with one another. From not wanting to be in class, we could always count on Ms. Trejo’s enthusiastic “Good morning, good morning, good mornings” or her “Good afternoon, good afternoon, good afternoons” which helped to pioneer the next generation of Bishop Martin alumni.

To Ms. Lorelie’s motivational talks about the power of “Yet” to the warmest welcomes of Mama Chi who never failed to make any of us feel inspired and to Mr. Mendez’s brutally honest yet realistic advice about the real world, especially when we asked him for words of encouragement before our chemistry placement exams, he said to us “grab yuh dalla and yuh shilling. The dalla wa divide the different boundaries (AB, CD) if its heads, it’s between A & B if its tails, it’s between C&D. After, yuh grab yuh shilling, heads or tails will decide the letter you choose.” So, sir, thank you and thanks to all the teachers, faculty, and staff and even you, graduates, who made this high school experience worthwhile.

Life truly does throw obstacles and hardships your way when you least expect it, like for instance, I was once told that I would never be someone in life. I stand here today with my head held high, proving to them that I am on the way to not only becoming someone in life but also becoming who I always dreamt of. However, I don’t let that drive me, I let my family and friends do that. Without them, I don’t think I’d be where I am today. So, mom and dad, I am incredibly grateful that you have raised me to become who I am today—a determined individual who tries and never gives up. Without you guys, I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish anything because you always go the extra mile in ensuring that I have learned to become a hard-working and disciplined person regardless of the situation I am in, and I know that I can trust you regardless. To Christian and Anisa, my siblings, although you guys may not show it all the time, I know you love me, and I know that you two will always be my biggest supporters no matter what I do. To my extended family, you all have showed me how powerful and impactful it is to truly go for what you believe in, I am forever grateful for each one of you for always believing and encouraging me to reach for the stars. To Yav, one of my best friends, I am so grateful to have shared these four years with you. We’ve been through many hardships but regardless we are as close as ever. I recall us meeting in first form because of Kaysha and ever since then, we’ve been like two peas in a pod. I don’t think that I’d be up here if it weren’t for your continuous encouragement and motivation. To Kaysha, one of my best friends, I am incredibly grateful that we can count on each other when the time comes. I am so proud of you and all that you have achieved. You are truly one of those individuals that drive me to become a better person every day. To Bronnie, Shannie and Crisel, I know that we’ve only recently become friends, but I am so grateful to the three of you. You guys constantly reminded me that I needed to enjoy high school while it lasted. One of my high schools highlights this academic year was getting through to lunch and after class sessions because you all truly brought out so many serotonins out of me. I will forever cherish those memories. And to you my fellow graduates, I must thank you all for sharing this journey with me. Without a doubt, you all have impacted my life one way or the other and for that I am truly grateful. You all showed me what it truly is to be a part of a Bishop Martin High School family.

As I end my remarks today, I want you to make a promise - a promise that you will keep close to your heart as you move on from day to day. I challenge each one of us to strive to make this world better. No matter how big or small the change is, I want us to make a difference. As we take our breath daily, as we take each step every day, and as every word crosses our lips, remember that it should be for the betterment of this world. Every day we grow, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, and physically to become better people. I want this speech to be an invitation for us to make a difference because who are we without change? Humans must adapt to survive.

So, I want to tell you that it has been an honor and privilege sharing these past few years with you, Class of ‘23. Therefore, without further ado, let’s continue reaching for the stars, showing others how capable we are of accomplishing our dreams and soaring to new heights. I will forever cherish these memories; it is one for the books! Thank you.