Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza,
Distinguished Permanent Representatives and Ambassadors,
Chair of the Caucus of CARICOM Ambassadors & Ambassador of Trinidad & Tobago, Dr Neil Parsan
Special Representative of the Governor’s Commission on Caribbean Affairs of Maryland, Ambassador Curtis Ward
Dr Keith Nurse of the University of the West Indies,
Members of the Caribbean Diaspora,
Ladies and Gentlemen,

A special welcome to the Hall of the Americas this evening for this discussion and reception following a special screening of highlights of the documentary titled “Forward Home: The Power of the Caribbean Diaspora, co-produced by Dr. Keith Nurse of the University of the West Indies and his colleagues in the film industry.

Ladies and Gentlemen, there are only a few weeks left before 2013 comes to an end. This is traditionally the time of year that causes many of us to pause and reflect on the year that has gone by; recalling our challenges, our achievements, our successes and even our failures.

As 2013 wraps up many of us are looking back on the issues which affected our lives and our families… and many of us are beginning to craft plans and resolutions for the New Year. While we pray 2014 will bring with it bigger and better things, it is my hope that the Caribbean Diaspora will reflect on its own potential to make a difference, to give back, and to contribute to the development of our homelands and our sub-region.

Colleagues, as many of you may know, the total Caribbean population and those of Caribbean descent in the United States, is estimated to be as high as 22 million people. The Caribbean Diaspora in the U.S. has grown more than 17-fold over the last few decades and the contribution of this community to the U.S. economy is on the increase. The statistics are similar in other regions in Canada and in Europe.

In fact, let’s just check something right now: By a show of hands this evening, how many of us in this room were born and raised outside of this country, Caribbean or otherwise…?

Friends, the power of a Diaspora cannot be ignored.

It is with this in mind that the OAS working with the Chair of the Caucus of CARICOM Ambassadors, Dr. Neil Parsan, Dr. Keith Nurse, and Ambassador Curtis Ward, this evening present highlights of the documentary “Forward Home, the power of the Caribbean Diaspora” with a special focus on the social and economic power of the people of the Caribbean Diaspora, in their own homelands.

The contribution of the diaspora, through remittances and other means are of critical importance to the Caribbean. In addition to natural resources, human resources and capital, I consider the Diaspora to be a fourth strategic ingredient to the development of Caribbean economies.

Friends, I firmly believe that the Caribbean diaspora, working together, can make a difference in the Americas. I believe that no community is too small, and no individual is too weak to make a difference, or to give back.

Colleagues, a few days ago the world lost a freedom fighter; an individual who started a revolution which had an impact on the world. Nelson Mandela’s legacy started the day he refused to accept the notion that change was impossible. I know many of us may have “uncertain” relationships with our homelands. Sometimes this uncertainty is based on politics or on pride. Other times, it is based on the belief that change is impossible, and that we cannot make a difference in our homelands for one reason, or another.

But as Nelson Mandela once said, “There is nothing like returning to a place that remains unchanged, to find the ways in which you yourself have altered.”

Ladies and Gentlemen, the diaspora has experienced change, but I believe the diaspora can also make a difference.
Working together, I believe the diaspora can secure the continuation of positive change in our home lands.

I am looking forward to the screening and the discussion tonight. I thank you for joining us and I am pleased to welcome to the podium, the Secretary General of the Organization of American States, His Excellency Jose Miguel Insulza.