FT. LAUDERDALE – As the Caribbean Diaspora prepares for their June Summit with President Bush, CARICOM Ambassadors in the USA, and Consuls General in South Florida met with their constituents on Friday (April 13) at a town hall meeting to discuss issues relevant to the agenda for the upcoming meeting in Washington, D.C.
The Diaspora forum was held at the African American Research Library in Fort Lauderdale, and highlighted topics pertaining to the strengthening of the relationship among the Caribbean Diaspora in the USA as well as further enhancing the relationship with the Government of the United States.
The CARICOM Consular Corp appealed for diasporic unity, urging Caribbean nationals to stop the fragmentation among groups of persons in the local communities, at the same time encouraging a process of collaboration among Diaspora and US leaders to address opportunities and challenges encountered in the communities.
Caribbean nationals were also encouraged to apply for citizenship of the United States as they become eligible so they could gain voting rights in the decision making process of their individual communities here in the USA as well as leveraging the development of their respective homeland in the region.
In meaningful dialogue, the audience discussed issues of relevance to the Caribbean region as well as the diasporic communities.
Some of the topics identified for the Conference agenda included further building of the relationship between the USA and the Caribbean community collectively as well as strengthening the ties between the USA and CARICOM, addressing growth and development of the region as it relates to trade and investments, immigration and deportation, security, human rights, education, as well as programs targeting youth exchange and development.
Discussions also centered around the definition of the Diaspora as well as identifying opportunities within, also for examining effects of financial resources, harnessing skills and knowledge.
There was also consensus for building support network among the Diaspora as they interfaced with the US policymakers at the regional and national levels.
Simultaneously, there was a call for renewal and enlightenment with the USA policymakers, decision makers and private sector on the importance and potential of the Caribbean region and its people.
Presentations were made on the Overview of the upcoming June Summit by the Belizean Ambassador to the USA, Ms. Lisa Shoman, and Ambassador Ellsworth John of St. Vincent and Grenadines, both chairs of the Ambassadors Working Group on the Capitol Hill Dialogue. Ambassador Michael King, of Barbados, also led discussions on the Diaspora Forum and Outcomes.
Papers on the CARICOM Single Market and Economy were presented by staff of the CARICOM Secretariat.
A question and answer session followed the presentations.
Deputy Chief of Missions in the Embassy of Jamaica, Ms. Sharon Miller in summary appealed to Caribbean nationals to continue discussions in the local communities as they gather momentum for the upcoming conference.
Similar meetings have already convened in Caribbean communities throughout the United States in preparation for the June summit which comes at a time when much attention will focus on the Caribbean Diaspora as June is celebrated as Caribbean Heritage month.
