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Caribbean (CARICOM) leaders concerned about tourism

ST. LUCIA – CARICOM leaders have agreed to urgently implement a regional marketing programme to address shortfalls in regional tourism brought on by the global economic and financial crisis.

The decision was made during the recently held 30th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which was held in Guyana.

Press Officer in the Office of the Prime Minister, Winston Springer, says Saint Lucia`s Prime Minister Honourable Stephenson King along with other CARICOM leaders, also agreed to pursue with the United States government, the establishment of more pre-clearance facilities in the Caribbean.

“The Heads of Government reiterated their deep concern with regard to the proposed Air Passenger Duty (APD) as it applies to travel from the United Kingdom to the Caribbean as it will increase the cost of travel from the UK to the region and will also place the Caribbean at a disadvantage in relation to other more important destinations. The Heads of Government agreed to pursue the matter vigorously with United Kingdom policy makers, in order to ensure a more equitable application of the APD to Caribbean travel,” Springer added.

Saint Lucia was represented at the 30th regular meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community by Prime Minister and Minister for Finance Honourable Stephenson King, who was accompanied by Saint Lucia’s Ambassador to CARICOM and the OECS, Dr. June Soomer.

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