Prime Minister Allen Chastanet is attending his first Caribbean Community (CARICOM) summit which opened in Georgetown, Guyana yesterday.
Business sessions of the summit will take place today and tomorrow when the Heads deal with a packed agenda that includes: Regional Security. CARICOM Single Market and Economy. Border Issues, Correspondent Banking (De-risking), CARICOM-Cuba Relations, Exchange of Views with President of Chile, Plight of Persons of Haitian Descent rendered Stateless in Dominican Republic, Rules of Procedure for Heads of Government.
Although it is not an agenda item, it is also possible that the Heads will discuss Britain’s recent referendum on European Un ion membership, which has caused much anxiety in the region.
The Heads will examine how current mechanisms for regional security are working and how they can be improved; and the legal instruments required to facilitate the desired collaboration. They will also discuss matters related to the operation of the CSME, including travel facilitation (movement of people) and take into account the border issues between Guyana and Venezuela, and Belize and Guatemala.
The meeting will seek to advance the search for solutions to eliminate the possibilities of derisking.
Heads will evaluate the threats to our domestic banking, our commerce and transfer of resources.
The meeting will seek to advance the process of finalizing an expanded trade agreement with Cuba and discuss cooperation on matters of mutual interest with the President of Chile Michelle Bachelet.
Before returning home on Friday, the Prime Minister will meet with potential investors and pay courtesy visits at the EU and American Embassies in Barbados.
Chastanet who became Prime Minister a month ago, will be accompanied by Ambassador to CARICOM and the OECS Dr. Joan Soomer and Ms. Linda Brice of the Ministry of External Affairs.