BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, FEBRUARY 17TH 2013 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis’ Prime Minister the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas is leading the Federation’s delegation to the 24th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
The February 18th and 19th meeting in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, will have Crime and security among the major items to be discussed by the regional heads of government.
Other members of the St. Kitts and Nevis delegation are Minister of Tourism and Transportation, Sen. the Hon. Richard Skerritt; Permanent Secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister and the Anti-Crime Unit, Her Excellency Ambassador Astona Browne and Foreign Service Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Nyan Farrell.
CMC reports that as part of their discussion to strengthen the regional crime and security agenda and architecture, the Attorney General of the United States, the Hon. Eric Holder, will participate in the exchanges.
The discussions will be taking place against a backdrop of high levels of crime in many member states, with the use of firearms being of particular concern.
At least nine heads of government will join CARICOM chairman, His Excellency Michel Martelly, the President of Haiti for the meeting.
All 15 member states and three of the five associate members will be represented.
The leaders will also be looking at reform in the Community with emphasis on the progress towards the development of a strategic plan for the Community and the change process being undertaken at the CARICOM Secretariat.
Financial stability and the latest situation with respect to resolving obligations arising out of the collapse of Colonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO) and the British American Insurance Company (BAICO) will be considered.
Matters related to transportation in the region are also on the agenda as is the question of movement of persons within the Community and improving food safety.
The leaders will receive an update on the region’s preparations for the implementation of the United States Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA), which has implications for the Community’s financial sector in particular.
They will also get the latest information on the plans by Suriname to host the 11th edition of the Caribbean Festival of the Arts (CARIFESTA) from 16-25 August.