Caricom: Egypt `episode’ a victory for democracy

A statement from Caricom Chairman Tillman Thomas says the massive protests in Egypt which led to the stepping down of its long-serving President constitute a victory for democracy.

In a statement today, Thomas, the Prime Minister of Grenada said,

“The Caribbean Community has taken note of the announcement that Mr. Hosni Mubarak will be stepping down as President of Egypt and reaffirms its support for the people of Egypt, who over the past two weeks have displayed their desire for change through massive and, in general, peaceful protests.

Tillman Thomas
Tillman Thomas

“The Caribbean Community, which values good governance and the rule of law, looks forward to an orderly and seamless transition to a government that will organise free and fair elections and thereby satisfy the aspirations of all Egyptians to be governed by representatives of their own choosing.

“This episode in the history of this great country is really a victory for democracy and it is incumbent on all who support democracy and democratic institutions to assist Egypt in building a broad based democracy.

“CARICOM calls upon all parties involved to cooperate as Egypt embarks on the challenging journey to democracy and to stability of the Egyptian polity.”