UN General Assembly
2007

to enact our own national legislative requirement by way of our National Anti-Terrorism Act of Parliament in 2005. Combating international terrorism should not depend on the trampling of religious and cultural diversity and individual rights and freedoms. Cultural and religious intolerance and prejudice and the stifling of cultural diversity will only serve to perpetuate the causes of terrorism. Earlier this year, Antigua and Barbuda, along with the rest of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), held activities to commemorate the bicentennial anniversary of the abolition of the trans- Atlantic slave trade. CARICOM also led an initiative for the anniversary to be commemorated here at the United Nations. That is an issue that should remain on the agenda of the United Nations. My Government is proud to have been a part of the initiative led by CARICOM member States at the United Nations to get the international community to recognize this anniversary. Such international recognition is important because it provides the opportunity to carry forward the fight for justice. Despite all the modern treaties and international statutes and recognition of the slave trade