CARICOM leaders will meet virtually to discuss critical issues, including the situation in Haiti, the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute, and the impact of U.S. policies on relations with Cuba and economic stability. This meeting precedes U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Jamaica.
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders are set to meet virtually on Friday, prior to the anticipated arrival of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio in Jamaica next week. Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Stuart Young, confirmed that he and CARICOM Chair Mia Mottley have discussed various ideas for this meeting, emphasizing Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to CARICOM initiatives.
The agenda for the CARICOM meeting will cover multiple significant issues, including an update on Haiti’s evolving political crisis, where criminal gangs threaten the government ahead of upcoming elections. Additionally, the leaders will evaluate the ongoing border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela, which has intensified with talks ongoing among regional leaders.
Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, acting as an intermediary, has issued warnings against potential escalations into conflict that could adversely affect both nations and destabilize the Caribbean. His cautions stem from the Argyle Agreement aimed at fostering peace in the region, which he emphasized should be upheld to avoid humanitarian crises.
Other topics on the agenda include discussions on a proposed regional debt swap and analyzing the implications of recent U.S. charges regarding Chinese-built ships heading to U.S. ports. This meeting comes in light of Rubio’s planned visit to the Caribbean, focusing on various elements affecting CARICOM’s relationship with the U.S.
Rubio is expected to arrive in Jamaica to discuss pressing matters like Cuba’s health brigade system and Haiti’s security. Some CARICOM leaders have expressed their support for the Cuban health program, favoring it over U.S. visa policies that restrict participation in such programs, citing the program’s positive impact on their nations.
In summary, the CARICOM leaders’ upcoming virtual meeting addresses key regional issues such as the political situation in Haiti, the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute, and potential solutions for economic challenges. The impending visit by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio adds urgency to these discussions, especially concerning U.S.-CARICOM relations and the Cuban health brigade program, underscoring a complex interplay of regional cooperation and geopolitical considerations.
Original Source: barbadostoday.bb
