CARICOM Leaders Prepare for Virtual Meeting Ahead of Rubio’s Visit to Jamaica
CARICOM leaders will meet virtually on Friday to discuss significant issues such as the Haiti situation, the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute, and a regional debt swap initiative ahead of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s upcoming visit to Jamaica. The meeting aims to strengthen regional cooperation while addressing the impact of U.S. policies on CARICOM relations.
Leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are set to convene virtually on Friday, just ahead of the anticipated visit by U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to Jamaica next Wednesday. Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Stuart Young emphasized his discussions with CARICOM chair Prime Minister Mia Mottley, reaffirming Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to CARICOM’s initiatives without disclosing specific details of their conversation or Rubio’s upcoming visit.
The virtual meeting will address several key agenda items, including the situation in Haiti, where criminal factions are threatening governmental stability, as well as an impending election scheduled for November. In addition, leaders will receive updates concerning the ongoing border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela, which has seen increased tensions recently. Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of St Vincent and the Grenadines recently traveled to both nations to facilitate dialogue and prevent escalations that could have severe humanitarian consequences.
Further topics to be discussed include a proposed regional debt swap initiative and responses to recent U.S. charges concerning Chinese-built vessels destined for U.S. ports. Rubio’s visit, expected before the end of March, aims to address a range of issues impacting CARICOM’s relations with the United States. A meeting involving U.S. Special Envoy for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mauricio Claver-Carone, was held earlier with representatives from various CARICOM states.
Furthermore, CARICOM nations have shown solidarity regarding the Cuban health program, which is perceived to have significantly benefited the region. This comes in light of Rubio’s announcement to expand visa restrictions related to forced labor associated with Cuba’s labor export program. Some CARICOM leaders have even expressed their willingness to relinquish their U.S. visas in support of the Cuban health initiatives that have proven valuable to their countries.
In summary, CARICOM leaders will convene virtually to address critical regional issues, including the situations in Haiti and the Guyana-Venezuela border dispute, ahead of U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio’s visit. Discussions will also cover proposals for economic initiatives and responses to international changes impacting CARICOM. The ongoing support for the Cuban health program amidst U.S. policy modifications illustrates the collaborative spirit among CARICOM nations.
Original Source: barbadostoday.bb
