New Ireland Ambassador welcomed to CARICOM

(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) – The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett on Thursday, 12 February received the Letter of Credence of His Excellency Martin Gallagher, accrediting him as Ambassador of Ireland to CARICOM during a virtual ceremony.

Dr. Barnett said that the appointment reflects the shared commitment and values that both CARICOM and Ireland placed on their partnership, which continues to thrive through high-level political engagements and within the frameworks of CARICOM-European Union (EU) relations and in the United Nations (UN).

She acknowledged Ireland’s ongoing commitment to the restoration of security in Haiti, stating,

“As the UN’s Gang Suppression Force (GSF) works alongside the Haitian National Police to neutralise the threats that have long hindered the democratic process in Haiti, Ireland’s role as a partner in peacebuilding remains vital. We thank Ireland for supporting this mission, which is so important for Haiti and, by extension, for our Region as a whole.”

The Secretary-General highlighted CARICOM’s priorities in the international development arena, calling on Ireland’s support for the reform of the international financial architecture, including the Bridgetown Initiative, which seeks improved access to finance for vulnerable states.

She also emphasised the importance of operationalising the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) to ensure Small Island and Low-Lying Coastal Developing States gain fair access to concessional development financing.

Reiterating the Community’s position on climate change, she said CARICOM continues to advocate for keeping global temperature increase to the 1.5°C threshold and values the cooperation of partners such as Ireland in this effort.

In his remarks, Ambassador Gallagher said that Ireland places strong value on its relationship with the Caribbean.

“Since the establishment of relations with CARICOM in 2019, we have worked together with real success to build closer and deeper ties. As Ambassador, I will continue this important work, strengthening existing links and fostering new partnerships.”

Through Ireland’s Fellowship Programme, he said that Caribbean students and young professionals have had the opportunity to further their development in Ireland, and hopes that many more will benefit from this opportunity in the years ahead.

Ambassador Gallagher also expressed his interest in strengthening economic cooperation with CARICOM, noting that Ireland will host the Global Horizons Trade Forum for Latin America and the Caribbean later this year and expressing hope for strong regional participation.

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