(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) A very important element of the Conference on the Caribbean: A 20/20 Vision is the dialogue between the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Members of Congress.

During the four-day Conference in Washington D.C. USA which begins on Monday 18 June, 2007, the Heads of Government will have discussions with the Ways and Means Committee of the House of Representatives which is led by Rep Charles Ranghel; the House of Representatives sub-committee on Western Hemisphere Affairs led by Rep. Toma Lantos and the Congressional Black Caucus which is presided over by Rep. Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick.

The Heads of Government in all their interactions with the US Administration and the Congressional representatives are expected to emphasise CARICOM’s desire for a true partnership with the United States.

“This partnership could be consummated by building on the strong foundation which already exists and working to achieve specific goals which will be to the mutual benefit of both parties,” said chairman of the Caucus of CARICOM Ambassadors to the United States, His Excellency Ellsworth John of St Vincent and the Grenadines.

“The objective of this dialogue and indeed the Conference at large, is to create an awareness of Caribbean issues for Congressional Representatives, and an exchange of views with the expectation of identifying specific “deliverables” for the Caribbean,” he added.

Issues to be raised by CARICOM at these sessions fall under three main headings. These are Growth and Development, Security for All and Support for the Economic and Institutional Development of Haiti. Under Growth and Development the discussion will include Trade and Competitiveness, Support for Regional Integration, Climate Change, Financial Services, Funding for the Millennium Development Goals, Cooperation in Education and Health Services and the Catastrophic Risk Insurance Fund, while under Security for All, issues surrounding Cooperation on Security Initiatives and Immigration and Involuntary Repatriation will be on the table.

Ambassador John alluded to the fact that were geographical, historical and cultural factors which made the Caribbean strategically significant and a natural ally of the United States.

“There is clearly a need for a long-term integrated approach which advances US national interests and security while also taking into account the needs and interests of CARICOM countries,” he added.

The Congressional Black Caucus is especially important to the process, the Ambassador said due to its support for and cooperation with the Caribbean over the years.

CONTACT: piu@caricom.org