Freeport, Bahamas, May 11th- Senator Hon. George Prime , Minister for Carriacou & Petite Martinique Affairs and Public Relations Officer Deanna Isaac are among over five hundred delegates from the 53 Commonwealth member countries gathered in Freeport, Bahamas, for the fifth Commonwealth Local Government Conference which is being held for the first time in the Caribbean. Focusing on the theme “Improving Local Government: the Commonwealth Vision,” the conference commenced on Monday, May 11th with an impressive opening ceremony which included a brilliant cultural piece by the Grand Bahama Youth Choir. Secretary General of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum Carl Wright, in welcoming delegates, noted that a relationship that puts government closest to the people is the best. He said the current financial crisis, global melt down and the resulting potential for poverty demonstrate the relevance of local government. His Excellency Edwin Carrington, Secretary General of CARICOM , said that local government has special significance as it encompasses all strata of society and strengthens the integration process which he described as “the glue that holds the region together.” He therefore called for local government bodies to have more interaction and greater collaboration with CARICOM . Bahamas Prime Minister , Right Hon. Hubert Ingraham, in delivering the keynote address, described the conference as a useful opportunity for delegates to learn from each other and noted that local government is working for the common good of all. Also addressing the conference was Secretary General of the Commonwealth, His Excellency Kamalesh Sharma and Basil Morrison, Chairman of the Commonwealth Local Government Forum. The conference ends on Thursday, May 14th.