CARICOM leaders will meet virtually to address significant regional issues before Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Jamaica. The agenda includes updates on Haiti, the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute, regional debt strategies, and the impact of US policies on Cuba. Regional leaders emphasize support for the Cuban health program amidst tensions with the US.
Leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are set to convene virtually prior to the planned visit of United States Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Jamaica on Wednesday. Sources from the Caribbean Media Corporation indicate this meeting will occur on Friday, where important regional issues will be addressed.
Prime Minister Stuart Young of Trinidad and Tobago confirmed having extensive discussions with CARICOM Chair Prime Minister Mia Mottley regarding the agenda for the upcoming meeting. Young emphasized his country’s commitment to supporting CARICOM initiatives during the discussions without divulging specifics related to Rubio’s visit.
Key topics on the meeting agenda include developments in Haiti, where armed gangs are threatening governmental authority amidst preparations for upcoming elections. Additionally, updates regarding the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute are anticipated, following Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves’ diplomatic efforts aimed at de-escalation between the two nations.
Gonsalves highlighted the potential humanitarian crisis that could arise from escalated conflicts and reiterated the commitment of both countries to maintaining peace in the Latin American and Caribbean regions. He called for both parties to resolve differences amicably, in light of the Argyle Agreement signed previously.
The informal gathering will also cover discussions about a regional debt swap strategy and the implications of recent US charges concerning Chinese-built ships destined for American ports. Rubio’s visit is expected to address various CARICOM concerns regarding Cuba, economic development, and Haiti’s stability.
Notably, CARICOM has voiced strong support for the Cuban health program, counteracting US restrictions targeting Cuba’s labor export agenda. Some CARICOM leaders expressed readiness to relinquish their US visas in exchange for continued engagement with Cuba’s health initiatives, which they argue have significantly benefited their nations.
In summary, the upcoming CARICOM meeting aims to address critical regional matters, including the situation in Haiti, the Guyana-Venezuela dispute, and recent US policy changes regarding Cuba. Leaders are expressing a collective commitment to regional stability and economic collaboration, reinforcing the importance of unity among Caribbean nations in the face of external pressures. The meeting represents a pivotal opportunity for CARICOM to assert its priorities ahead of Secretary of State Rubio’s visit.
Original Source: barbadostoday.bb
