Democratically elected leaders from the Americas began their Fifth Summit in Port of Spain, Trinidad, yesterday, signalling their intention to cultivate a new spirit of cooperation in order to combat a number of global socio-economic problems, as well as urging the reintroduction of the hemisphere's only communist state into their midst.
United States President Barack Obama said his presence at the April 17-19 forum was to underscore his administration's determination to launch a new chapter in the United States' relations with the Americas, in which there would be "no senior or junior partner".
Washington reminded
But even as Obama was announcing a number of new multimillion-dollar initiatives to help countries, Washington was being reminded that the decision of the G-20 countries to provide billions of dollars to the International Monetary Fund to assist both developed and developing countries overcome the financial crisis must not be at the expense of small vulnerable states.
"It is not ethical that it is left to the G-20 countries to determine the future of our people. We should leave it up to the G-192 countries, that would include everyone at the United Nations," said Nicaraguan president, Daniel Ortega.
He told the opening ceremony that US policies towards his own country, as well as Cuba, had resulted in tremendous hardships to citizens.
Ortega said he would refrain from describing the meeting here as a 'Summit of the Americas', given Havana's exclusion from the forum.
He said Cuba's "only crime has been one of independence and fighting for the sovereignty of its people" and as a result, they were being punished, despite Havana's efforts to forge closer relations with the entire Americas.
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Chairman Dean Barrow and Trinidad and Tobago's Prime Minister Manning also reiterated the regional grouping's support for Havana.
Barrow, who is also prime minister of Belize, said while the 15-member grouping was heartened by recent announcements from Washington, there was still the vexing question of the near 50-year-old trade and economic embargo.
Calling Cornwall!
Do you know an individual who has made a worthwhile contribution to community development? Or, a young person who displays leadership skills and an ability to motivate others? Well, nominate them for the Governor General's Achievement Award or the Youth Award of Excellence. Nomination forms are available at kingshouse.gov.jm or from the offices of the respective parish custodes.