Georgetown, Guyana, February 16, 2017 – Deputy Premier and Minister of Border Control and Employment, Hon. Sean Astwood led a delegation to the Twenty-Eight Inter-sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community at the Marriott Hotel, Georgetown, Guyana on February 16 & 17 2017 to examine a wide range of issues of concern to the Caribbean Community and the Turks & Caicos Islands.
During the two-day conference, Astwood is expected to hold bilateral with CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador, Irvine LaRocque and region leaders including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bahamas Hon. Fred Mitchel.
Commenting on the visit, Hon. Astwood said; “I am excited to be attending this meeting as the newly elected ambassador and Minister of Border Control and Employment as it offers many opportunities for the Turks and Caicos to collaborate with regional leaders in advancing my Government’s mandate and our country’s prosperity. This meeting also offers us the opportunity to network with CARICOM leaders to address the body of Caribbean leaders to garner support for our challenges ahead.”
The meeting is expected to focus on the effects on the economic climate on member states of the Caribbean Community and framework by which the Community can achieve growth and development amidst the current environment. Additionally, the issue of crime and security is top among the three broad area that are up for discussion.
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.
Amongst the key topics to be discussed are Tourism in the region, corresponding banking, regional security and information and technologies for development. The delegation returns to the Turks & Caicos Islands on February 19, 2017.
#MagneticMediaNews
