UN Chief in St. Vincent: Reform Needed, Latin America and the Caribbean a Beacon of Peace

Kingstown, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, February 29, 2024

In a press conference held upon his arrival at Kingstown Airport in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, UN Secretary-General António Guterres underscored the imperative for reform and solidarity in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), emphasizing the region's role as a bastion of peace amidst global turmoil.

Tribute to Peace and Mediation Efforts

"Ladies and gentlemen of the media, let me first of all, express my deep gratitude to Prime Minister Gonsalves... This visit goes beyond the participation in a Summit. It’s a visit in which I would like to pay a few tributes and to express a deep solidarity," said the Secretary-General.

Highlighting the region's commitment to peace, the Secretary-General lamented recent violence, notably the tragic loss of over 100 lives in Gaza while queuing for humanitarian aid.

Resilience of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

"The solidarity of the people, the courage of the people, the determination of the people - that is something that is an example for all of us, everywhere," he emphasized.

In acknowledging the resilience of the people of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the face of the volcanic eruption's aftermath, the Secretary-General lauded their courage and solidarity, calling it an exemplar for global response to crises.

Economic Challenges and Call for Reform

"Countries in Latin America and the Caribbean... had to borrow in order to solve the problems of their people and their economies after COVID-19... It's time for a reform or our international financial institutions," the Secretary-General declared.

Turning to economic challenges, he stressed the plight of LAC countries, exacerbated by COVID-19 and global conflicts.

Support for Regional Integration and CELAC

"I believe that CELAC is an extremely important tool to push for a progressive economic and political integration in the Latin American and Caribbean world," he affirmed.

The Secretary-General reiterated support for regional integration, citing CELAC as pivotal for fostering cooperation and defending collective interests.

Addressing Security Council Impediments

"The truth is, in the present situation, with the deep divides that we are witnessing among the main powers, the veto power became, indeed, an instrument of paralysis of the Security Council, and an instrument that limits its capacity to address the crisis," he expressed.

Responding to questions, he highlighted the impediment posed by veto powers in the UN Security Council, lamenting its paralysis in addressing crises like Gaza.

As the Secretary-General's visit unfolds, his message of reform and solidarity resonates, underscoring the imperative for collective action to address the challenges facing Latin America and the Caribbean.