Acting Prime Minister, Freundel Stuart??
Barbados’ acting Prime Minister, Freundel Stuart,?? and his regional counterparts met yesterday to resolve a number of pressing concerns, as CARICOM leaders concluded day three of their four-day summit, now winding down in Montego Bay, Jamaica.
The Heads dealt with those areas that are crucial to the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). These included; recommendations and challenges for compliance in the implementation of, and effective participation in the CSME; the tourism sector, particularly in relation to the Air Passenger Duty, and ways of financing a regional marketing campaign; as well as developments relating to agriculture.
They also examined the state of the global financial crisis and the challenges to economic recovery; and matters emanating from the recent Toronto G20 summit.
Leaders also discussed sustaining achievements of the Nassau Declaration; the health of the region, crime and security, and the University of the West Indies.
Meanwhile, United Nations Secretary-General, Ban Ki-Moon has lauded the region for making commendable progress towards achieving the Millennium Development Goals. He also said that the international community had a duty to assist the region and could not abandon its commitment to the most vulnerable people.
The meeting of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community concludes today. Cathy Lashley (CL) – clashley@barbados.gov.bb