NASSAU (CMC):
United States Vice-President Kamala Harris will meet with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders early next month, it has been officially announced here.
Press Secretary Clint Watson said that Harris, who will be the highest US government official to visit The Bahamas since 1973, will arrive here on June 8 to meet with the Caribbean leaders.
CARICOM Chairman Prime Minister Phillip ‘Brave’ Davis will co-host the US Caribbean leaders’ meetings with Harris.
“This gathering will convene leaders from CARICOM and other key regional stakeholders,” Watson said during an Office of the Prime Minister press briefing. “The agenda for the discussion comprises pressing global concerns, including climate change, energy management, food security, and the process of rebuilding in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic.”
Watson said that the dialogue will continue to highlight the importance of climate change and mitigation, and will address the region’s energy crisis. He noted that strategies will also be discussed to reduce the region’s reliance on fossil fuels.
Harris previously met Caribbean leaders at the June 2022 Summit of the Americas in Los Angeles.
“The vice-president’s trip delivers on the Biden-Harris Administration’s commitment to advance cooperation with the Caribbean, pursue shared prosperity and security, and celebrate the common bonds between our nations,” according to a US Embassy statement.
“The vice-president is travelling to The Bahamas during Caribbean-American Heritage Month and will celebrate the long-standing people-to-people ties between the Caribbean and the United States.”
US Embassy Chargé d’Affaires Usha Pitts said her visit commemorates not just 50 years of Bahamian independence, but also 50 years of enduring partnership between our two nations.
“Next year, the embassy team will move into our new US$310-million complex in downtown Nassau. From this base of operations, we look forward to strengthening our bilateral ties for the next 50 years and beyond. Vice-President Harris’ visit demonstrates the value of our friendship and solidifies our commitment to address climate change and advance our shared democratic principles.”