Address by the President of the Republic of Suriname H.E. Drs. Jules Albert Wijdenbosch to the summit of the Head of States of the Caricom

Barbados, May 1997

DEMOCRACY AND SOCIAL JUSTICE

The basic assumption is that democracy is a dynamic political, administrative and social phenomenon which at times defies rigid definition, but is dependent on the aspirations of the citizens of the country where it is established.

It concerns the happiness, the well-being, the prosperity and, in particular, recognition, respect and regard for the citizen.

The foundations of a democracy in which social justice plays a key role are formed by real democracy with the principles of legitimacy and participation as a cornerstone, in which elements such as information, communication, supervision and monitoring, and the people orientedness of the administration are decisive.

The tangible form is a democratic rule of law, which is guaranteed by:

- transparency and predictability;

- the realization of an effective control by the people over the administration of the country;

- full participation of the people in the strictest sense;

- the submission of the Government's power to law and justice;

- the conception of the rule of law based on the following:

a. it must be of an ideological nature, involving the realization of a lasting ideological legitimacy within the current political system;

b. it must be of a socio-economic and social nature, involving, among other things, the guarantee for minimal social security and the quality of life for every citizen;

c. it must be of a political nature, involving legitimacy and participation;

d. It must be of a legal nature, involving legal security, legal uniformity and equality of rights.

With regard to social justice in Caribbean societies, this guarantee should be included in:

- opportunities for women to develop their potentialities, resulting in their increased participation in the social structures and better care for the children;

- an effective approach to moral degradation, so that we can be guided by new high moral standards.

Caribbean States have a deep interest in a peaceful, stable and prosperous region. At a Regional Meeting on Drug Control Cooperation in the Caribbean, convened by the United Nations International Drug Control Program (UNDCP) in Barbados on 15-17 May 1996, it was recognized that "the Caribbean countries formed a geostrategic are of democracy which was fundamental to the maintenance of peace and security in the western hemisphere."

However, Caribbean Governments are conscious that democracy in small states cannot survive without sustainable economic development, strong institutions and social justice. To this end, we are committed to strengthening our institutions, encouraging public participation and creating economic opportunities and meaningful employment, as we, Caribbean leaders, will be emphasizing in various forms during this summit.

We are strongly committed to human rights, fundamental freedoms and good governance. It is worth noting that the Caribbean Community has recently adopted a Charter of Civil Society embodying these commitments. The Charter also recognizes women's rights, children's rights and the rights of indigenous peoples. This is in addition to our subscription to the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant programs adopted by the Organization of American States in the framework of the Summit of the Americas.

We know that international criminal organizations use their vast wealth to undermine institutions and corrupt officials. We will utilize all our resources to combat this monster that eats at our social fabric and threatens our very existence as civilized communities. In this regard, most Caribbean Governments have signed and ratified the 1988 United Nations Convention against illicit Traffic in Narcotic Drugs and Psycho tropic Substances. One of the Caribbean countries was, in fact, the first signatory to this Agreement.

We are also conscious of the need to strengthen the justice system and maintain its integrity and independence. In this regard, most Caribbean countries are engaged in legal reforms, in enhancing the technology available to the justice system as well as in providing additional training for personnel in various parts of the system.

The rights of workers are well developed and enshrined in our constitutions and in the aforementioned Charter Civil Society. There is a Policy on Gender Equity and Social Justice in most Caribbean countries.

Thank You