Roseau, Dominica: Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, urged the United States of America to support the Caribbean region to address its significant concerns like food security, energy security, climate crisis and the situation in Haiti.
He raised the concerns during the CARICOM meeting that took place on Wednesday, July 5, 2023. Other issues publicized by PM Skerrit were the blacklisting, problem of correspondent banking and access to concessional development financing.
Antony Blinken, the US Secretary of State and Hakeem Jeffries, Democratic Leader in the US House of Representatives, also joined the meeting. They addressed the Caribbean leaders and the US approach to solving the significant problems the Caribbean is suffering from.
They assured that the US would make every effort possible to meet the objective of solving climate issues, food security and the situation in Haiti.
While addressing, PM Skerrit stated that Dominica will join forces with other Caribbean states who expressed interest in supporting Haiti. The country and its people are suffering from an economic crisis.
The Dominican PM commits to supporting the Haitian residents to tackle the financial problem and provide relief in the region. He also looks forward to collaborating and developing bilateral relations with Rwanda.
On the Caricom integration movement, PM Skerrit noted that leaders decided to seek to have the free movement of all categories of people to live and work.
Later, he made another statement: “There are some legal issues that we have to examine. We have given some months to examine those legal issues and ensure we will take a deeper position by March 30, 2024 (next general meeting)”.
Additionally, Minister Skerrit publicize that Caricom members will have access to primary and emergency health and basic education up to the secondary school level.
Antony Blinken, the US US Secretary of State, demonstrated strategies to establish multinational support and restore stability in Haiti. He noted that its a priority for the US government and will take every initial step to reduce crime and eradicate the issue of climate change.
Antony Blinken, the United States Secretary of State, met with Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit during the CARICOM meeting. Blinken also shared a glimpse of his meeting with the Dominican Prime Minister on his social media and expressed his pleasure to meet the newly appointed CARICOM Chairman.
Additionally, the Secretary of State announces to assist CARICOM region with $5.5 million to help small-scale farmers increase their output and acknowledge them to use and have access to technology. Congressman Jeffries also pledged to work with others on crucial issues like the climate crisis and regional security.
Secretary Blinken displayed the importance of cooperating with Dominica to achieve international goals collectively, like climate resilience, renewable energy usage, and resolving the Haitian situation. He also mentioned that the US is interested in working with Dominica for future projects.