The official opening of the 17rd Antilles-Guyana Regional Cooperation Conference (CCRAG) was held at the Secrets Resort of Anse Marcel in the presence of 
presidents of the local authorities of Guadeloupe, Guyana, Martinique, Saint-Barthélemy and Saint-Martin, representatives of the European Commission and regional organizations, the delegated prefect Vincent Berton and as a special guest, the delegated minister responsible for overseas territories, Marie Guévenoux.
With the slogan 'Seize opportunities and strengthen synergies', the inauguration of the 17th CCRAG took place in front of 250 people, impatient to begin these three days of exchanges around 4 major issues: geopolitics, security, commercial exchanges and cultural & linguistic exchanges in the Caribbean and the Guiana Plateau. Louis Mussington, president of the Collectivity of Saint-Martin, was the first to speak: “A year ago, the Minister Delegate Jean-François Carenco and Ambassador Dubertrand asked me if I wanted to welcome the CCRAG in Saint-Martin, without hesitation, I answered yes. (…) This conference comes at the right time.” Globalized political and economic contexts and the strengthening of networks are forcing French Communities in the Americas to reconfigure their priorities and question their loyalty. “We must accept that the regional integration process is indeed a determining factor. This is also what explains why this year the COM of Saint-Martin will become an associated member of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS),” continued the elected representative of the territory who above all wants to move forward. 'Before. All the speakers are unanimous on the fact that regional cooperation is the opportunity to establish direct relations between territories to initiate development, exchange and planning projects. The Minister Delegate in charge of Overseas Territories, Marie Guévenoux, congratulated the unique nature of this consultation exercise between all stakeholders, recalling the commitment of the State, determined to continue to support communities so that they can shine in the area: “I would like to reiterate this commitment to you”. Returning to the future return of France to the capital of the Caribbean Development Bank (withdrawal in 2000) and the 4 major subjects included in the CCRAG program, the minister in office since February 8, 2024 is “very keen on this initiative likely to lay the foundations for a common political approach.” During a press point after the signing of the joint political declaration of the external action of the State and Communities in the Caribbean and the Guiana Plateau, the latter underlined the importance of this gathering for Saint-Martin and for President Mussington: “This conference aims to multiply forces with neighboring countries in a win-win exchange, I am happy to mark the government's commitment with my presence.” Continued in our Friday edition. _VX
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