(MENAFN- Caribbean News Now) USVI Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett
By Caribbean News Now contributor
ST THOMAS, USVI – The 40th meeting of the conference of heads of government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) 15 member States to be held in Saint Lucia from July 3-5, 2019, made mention that four high profile and distinguished special guests would be in attendance. A statement released [Friday, June 28] by Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett said: 'I am pleased to announce that I will be attending CARICOM meeting in Saint Lucia,' left many asking: Where's the beef?
'As a co-chair of the Congressional Caribbean Caucus and in recognition of my efforts to continually place the Virgin Islands in a position to be a vital advocate for the region in Washington, I was pleased to be invited by the Secretariat-General, Irwin LaRocque, to attend the activities and engage with the heads of government,' the statement said.
Also announced on [Friday, June 28] was a $75 million grant for V.I. Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA) from Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to go towards the rebuilding of the US Virgin Islands associated with hurricanes Maria and Irma.
'This important grant will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our ongoing rebuilding efforts making the Virgin Islands whole again after experiencing two devastating hurricanes. The United States government and the international community has an obligation to work with the affected local governments to restore infrastructure, provide critical humanitarian assistance, and help recover and build back our islands,' a separate statement said.
Meantime the basis for respect and unity of CARICOM is constantly undermined by the action and /or inaction of a gang of four Caribbean leaders, contrary to the official CARICOM position on the issue of non-interference.
Gang of Four CARICOM leaders criticised for meeting with US president
The United States and Congress must encourage and promote stronger relationships within the region; and its absolutely important that it's not just talk.
The United States is best advised to contribute to Caribbean and Latin American countries, social-economic development and engage in strategies to build allies; and not buffer corrupt governance that seek to intensifying CARICOM disunity in exchange for the promise of foreign investments.
There must be real investment, as China, Russia, among others, offer a lifeline to the Caribbean.
China-Russia relations offer lifeline to the Caribbean
Congresswoman Plaskett statement on CARICOM albeit pleasantries appear more of the same. Many observers continue to ask: Where's the beef?
'CARICOM is the premier organization of Caribbean nations: fifteen member States and five associate members. Its members comprise approximately sixteen million citizens, 60 percent of whom are under the age of 30. Its primary objectives are to promote economic integration and cooperation among its members, to ensure that the benefit of the integration are equitably shared and to coordinate foreign policy.
'CARICOM is the oldest surviving integration movement in the developing world. Great strides have been made, particularly through functional cooperation in education, in health, in culture, in security.
'CARICOM is a respected voice in international affairs because of its commitment to coordinated foreign policy. I'm interested in speaking with the participants about issues of importance to our nation and to obtain a deeper perspective on the member's countries concerns and issues that may be taken up by the United States.
'Of course, foremost will be an attempt to understand and press for ways the Virgin Islands can work more closely with our Caribbean neighbours and support one another in economic development, national security and social and educational endeavours.
'CARICOM rests on four main pillars: economic integration; foreign policy coordination; human and social development; and security – all issues very important to the Virgin Islands. I look forward to interacting with other distinguished members of CARICOM expressing to them the importance of the Virgin Islands and our commitment to the shared objective of the members of CARICOM.'
At the 40th regular meeting of CARICOM heads of government will meet in plenary and caucus, on matters related to the implementation of measure to enhance the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), the region's growth and development as well as crime and security.
Nonetheless, a successful CARICOM meeting would be incomplete without a compelling vision for the Caribbean's future.
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