Thursday April 9th 2015 (TUCOM):- Minister of Public Infrastructure, Posts, Urban Development & Transport Hon. Ian “Patches” Liburd is declaring that the historic US-CARICOM Summit provides an avenue for a great deal of opportunities and potential for opportunities for St.Kitts-Nevis and the CARICOM Region.
Hon. Liburd is a member of the St.Kitts-Nevis Delegation currently in Jamaica for the US-Caricom Summit with US President Barack Obama. The Delegation, which also includes Prime Minister Hon. Dr. Timothy Harris and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Deputy Premier of Nevis Hon. Mark Brantley joined Delegations and Heads of State from other CARICOM countries on Wednesday evening to discuss the region’s approach for today’s very brief Summit.
Liburd stated that the summit was too short to properly address critical matters but was satisfied that it provided a plethora of opportunities for St.Kitts-Nevis and the region.
Minister Liburd said “I believe that the time allotted for discussion on issues critical to us in the Caribbean as Independent Nations situated in the backyard of the US is too short. Notwithstanding we can utilize the time wisely to enunciate a position of commonality on the pressing issues that affect us in the region collectively.”
The issue of security and crime was among the issues to be considered for discussion at the SUMMIT. At the Pre-Summity Caucus Minister Liburd indicated that Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris used the forum of the Caucus of heads to emphasise the point that crime in the region and in St.Kitts-Nevis is tied to a sense of hopelessness of the youths due to lack of opportunity.
Minister Liburd indicated that the CAUCUS finalized an agenda for the Summit .
Liburd stated “The CAUCUS discussed the Summit’s Agenda and expected outcome of same with respect to competitiveness , security and energy as they relate to CARICOM. Matters regarding improvement of our economies and joblessness were all considered.”