Premier Alex Scott stressed the importance of Bermuda?s links with the Caribbean, following opening ceremonies of Caricom?s annual Heads of Government conference in Grenada at the weekend.

?It is important that we are here. As Bermuda expands its global reach and reputation, it would be a grave oversight not to develop and build our association with our Caribbean brothers and sisters,? he said.

?It would be a conspicuous failure on our part not to become more closely linked to the communities that represent the parents and grandparents of many Bermudian families. As Bermuda looks to Europe and North America as we continue to grow, so we must include the Caribbean in order to complete our global reach.?

Mr. Scott arrived in Grenada on Saturday.

Opening remarks by some of the Government Heads in attendance stressed regional integration as the top priority for the organisation.

?The visionary agenda needs to be completed in light of changes in the global landscape; that Caricom unity is needed in goals, strategy and actions,? said Jamaican Prime Minister P.J. Patterson. The conference ends on Thursday.