Crime and security tops the agenda at the 24th Intersessional Caricom Heads of Government planned for next week in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. As part of the discussion to strengthen the Regional Crime and Security Agenda and Architecture, US Attorney General Eric Holder will participate in the exchanges, a press release from the Caricom Secretariat said. Discussions will be taking place against a backdrop of high levels of crime in many member states, particularly those commissioned with the use of firearms.
At least nine HoGs will join Caricom Chairman and Haiti President Michel Martelly at the Karibe Hotel and Convention Centre for the February 18 and 19 meeting. All 15 member states and three of five Associate Members will also be represented, the release said.
Leaders will be looking at reform in the Community with emphasis on the progress towards the development of a Strategic Plan for the Community and the Change Process being undertaken at the Caricom Secretariat. Financial stability and the latest situation with respect to resolving obligations arising out of the collapse of Colonial Life Insurance Company (CLICO) and the British American Insurance Company (BAICO) will be considered, the release said.
The agenda also includes matters related to transportation in the Region as well as the question of movement of persons within the Community and improving food safety. Leaders will be given an update on the Region’s preparations for the implementation of the United States Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act (FATCA) which has implications for the Community’s financial sector in particular. They will also be given the latest information on the plans by Suriname to host the 11th edition of the Caribbean Festival of the Arts (CARIFESTA XI) from August 16-25.
