Caricom leaders will meet on Friday to discuss key regional issues before U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit to Jamaica. Topics include Haiti’s political issues, the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute, and a potential debt swap initiative. The meeting aims to reinforce unity among member states and address economic stability challenges in the Caribbean.
Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders are set to convene in Bridgetown, Barbados, on Friday ahead of a visit from U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Jamaica next Wednesday. This meeting is aimed at addressing pressing regional issues, including recent developments in Haiti and the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute, as well as the prospect of a debt swap initiative among member states.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Stuart Young communicated with Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley to share strategic insights in preparation for the Heads of Caricom discussion. Young expressed Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to support Caricom’s solidarity, although he refrained from providing specifics regarding Rubio’s visit or the upcoming discussions.
The Caricom agenda will likely cover the political instability in Haiti, characterized by criminal activities threatening effective governance and the necessity for upcoming elections. Also, an update will be provided regarding the escalating tensions between Guyana and Venezuela, with St. Vincent and the Grenadines’ Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves advocating for a peaceful resolution to avert potential conflict.
Furthermore, conversations will address a regional debt swap proposal and the recent U.S. charges targeting Chinese vessels en route to U.S. ports. These topics are crucial as they have significant implications for economic stability in the Caribbean region. Rubio’s visit is expected to touch upon various bilateral issues, including security matters in Haiti and initiatives aimed at regional economic development.
The forthcoming Caricom leaders’ meeting presents an opportunity to address critical regional challenges, including Haiti’s political crisis and the Guyana-Venezuela territorial dispute. Prime Minister Young’s dialogue with Prime Minister Mottley highlights unity within the community, as they prepare for Secretary Rubio’s visit, enforcing cooperation on economic matters and stability within the region as a priority.
Original Source: www.jamaicaobserver.com
