GEORGETOWN, Guyana (CMC) – The Caribbean Community (Caricom) is calling for stronger policies to protect the rights of indigenous peoples and expand opportunities for their social and economic development across the region.

In a message marking Sunday’s International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, Caricom Secretary General Dr Carla Barnett said indigenous communities have played an integral role in shaping the Caribbean’s history, culture and identity.

“The wisdom, traditions and contributions of the Caribbean’s indigenous peoples are an integral part of our shared history, and their voices, leadership and prosperity are essential to an equitable and sustainable community,” she  said.