Premier Hon. Dr. Rufus Ewing left the island on July 2, for the 34th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in Port of Spain, Trinidad from July 3 to 6, 2013.
The meeting is expected to focus on the effects of the sluggish economic climate on member states of the Caribbean Community and “the framework within which the Community can achieve growth and development” amidst the current environment, a communiqué from the Secretariat in Guyana states.
The Heads of Governments of the 18-member body and its associate membership are also scheduled to discuss issues relating to the region’s slow recovery from the global economic crises; the heavy debt burdens of some members and the effects policies by international financial institutions have had on the economies of CARICOM.
The Fact-Finding Mission to the Turks and Caicos Islands is also scheduled to present its findings at this meeting of the Heads. The Mission to the TCI was directed by the Community Council – the second highest organ of the Community- to review the situation in the territory in light of the November 2012 return to Parliamentary democracy. TCI is an associate member of CARICOM.
It is anticipated that the Heads of Governments will also explore options for a new direction for the body during this Thirty-Fourth Meeting, which marks the Community’s 40th year of existence since the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas in July 1973.
Hon. Ricardo Don Hue Gardiner, Minister for Border Control, who will be attending the 8th meeting of the International Labor Organization for Ministers of Labor, will join the Premier later. Premier Ewing will be accompanied to the CARICOM meeting by his Head of Secretariat Mr. Ronlee James.
Deputy Premier and Minister of Education Youth and Sport, Hon. Akierra Missick will act for Premier Ewing during his absence. The team will return to the island on July 7.
