Premier Ewart Brown met with CARICOM heads in Guyana last week.

Among the areas of discussion during the meeting in Georgetown were the threats of climate change and health issues, along with developing a regional strategy for information and communication technology.

CARICOM seeks to encourage technological development to modernise public services, along with creating jobs and helping the region participate globally. According to the Premier, Bermuda's experience in the field will be an asset to the rest of the community.

"I expect Bermuda's experiences in the development of web-based Government services such as eTCD, the Tax Commissioner online and the portal itself will be a useful resource for the region," said Dr. Brown.

Another subject of conversation during the meeting was Bermuda's involvement in the 2009 Wellness Day. On September 12, Bermudians are asked to give up smoking, drinking alcohol and avoid fatty foods, and find time to exercise and check blood pressure.

"The aim will be to encourage this regimen as a part of daily life so that our health will be greatly improved as a region," said the Premier in a statement to the House of Assembly on Friday.

This year's theme, 'Love that Body', will put special focus on making lifestyle choices responsible for many of the chronic illnesses in the region.

The CARICOM Heads of Government also examined the issue of global climate change, likely to bring about rising sea levels and more frequent, more powerful hurricanes. During the meeting, a Regional Climate Change Strategic Framework was approved to incorporate adaptation strategies into CARICOM members' sustainable development strategies.

During the conference, the President of Brazil proposed a Caricom-Brazil Summit to be held in the next 18 months, which the Premier hopes will help open doors.

"The surge in Latin American influence in the global economy makes this offer an exciting one as the President indicated that he seeks to examine the possibilities for cooperation with a view to greater development and integration," said Dr. Brown. "Members will recall that this Government has already started to forge links with international businesses and representative organisations in that area of the world."

Bermuda's involvement in CARICOM, according to the Premier, is giving the Island a voice internationally.

"I look forward to ever-strengthening ties between us and fostering stronger relationships in the years ahead."