Moses: TT supports peace, security

” Foreign and Caricom Affairs Minister Dennis Moses advanced this position in remarks on behalf of the Government today on Commonwealth Day 2017. In his message, Moses said, “Myriad internal and trans-national conflicts, which engender humanitarian crises of notable proportions, serve as stark reminders that the pursuit of sustainable peace and security must remain at the forefront of global efforts.”

The minister continued, “ Indeed, recent surges in violent extremism and terrorism, coupled with ongoing crises in many countries, have demonstrated even more the interdependence of the global community and the corresponding need for each country to play its part in directly addressing challenges that threaten the peace and development of all peoples.”

Moses said it is instructive that the theme for this year’s observance of Commonwealth Day, “draws attention to the role of the Commonwealth, as a recognised actor in the international community, in supporting and advancing global peace-building efforts.” In recognising that the main thrust of peace-building is to promote sustainable peace by building capacity to prevent violence from recurring, Moses stated, “It is recognised that much of the work of the Commonwealth, advanced through its key inter-governmental agencies, member Governments, civil society networks and commonwealth associations, relate directly to the elements of peace-building undertaken in many countries.”

He said the core values and principles of the Commonwealth, which are espoused in the Singapore Declaration of Commonwealth Principles (1971), are amplified in the TT Affirmation of Commonwealth Values and Principles (2009) and reaffirmed in the Commonwealth Charter (2013). Moses explained this demonstrates, “the belief that democracy, good governance, adherence to the rule of law and human rights are all central tenets in the conduct of the business of peaceful societies.”

Moses cited the work of the Commonwealth in supporting free and fair electoral processes; building capacity in public institutions; and promoting participatory governance by including all actors, in particular civil society, women and young people, “as a direct contribution to peace building.”