TCI: Deputy Premier attends Thirtieth Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM

#Providenciales, February 28, 2019 – Turks and Caicos – Deputy Premier and Minister of Border Control and Employment Services, Hon. Sean Astwood led a delegation to the Thirtieth Intersessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) held at the Marriott Hotel, St. Kitts on February 26^th and 27^th  2019, to examine a wide range of issues of concern to the Caribbean Community and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

During the two-day conference, Deputy Premier Hon. Astwood is expected to hold bilateral meetings with region leaders. The Deputy Premier is also expected to make a presentation to CARICOM Heads of Government on the existential challenges posed by climate change compounded for CARICOM countries due to varying vulnerabilities.  The deputy Premier will also invite Heads of Government to a Climate Change Conference to be held in the Turks and Caicos Islands at a later date to identify opportunities for partnership, clearly define objectives, identify key opportunities for partnership and to clearly define objectives, identify key objectives and outline a collective pathway to effective implementation.

Commenting on the visit, Hon. Astwood said: “I am excited to attend the Inter-Sessional Heads of Government Meeting 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 associated and full member states to address the body of Caribbean leaders to garner support for our challenges ahead.”

The meeting is expected to focus on the effects of the economic climate for 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 CARICOM Single Market and Economy, Border Issues, crime, security, regional transportation and blacklisting is top among the three broad areas that are up for discussion.

Head of Government also engaged with the President of the Republic of Estonia, Her Excellency Kersti Kaljulaid during the Thirtieth Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference. Representatives of the Government of Estonia have indicated interest in helping the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) build its capacity in the area of e-government.

The Heads of Governments of the 18-member body and its associate membership are also scheduled to discuss issues relating to the region’s recovery from the global economic crises; and the situations in Venezuela and Haiti.

The Deputy Premier is accompanied by Executive Director of the Premier’s Office Mr. Ronlee James and Executive Administrator to the Minister Ms. Bernadya Smith.

Press Release: TCIG