TALLAHASSEE – At a meeting with the Governor of Florida, Mr. Charlie Crist, and a delegation of Consuls General representing the CARICOM member countries in the Southern United States, it was agreed that several trade delegations to CARICOM states would be established in the near future, beginning with the larger markets of Trinidad and Jamaica.
The meeting was held at the State Capitol office in Tallahassee on Thursday, (Oct. 25) and included representatives from the Department of Tourism, Trade and Economic Development and Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
It was also agreed that there would be discussions with Caribbean in-state agencies and promoters of cultural events, such as the annual Caribbean Carnival and the annual Jerk Festival, to address ways that the State can incorporate those activities into the general roster of tourist attractions in Florida.
Consul General, Ricardo Allicock
Jamaica’s Consul General, Ricardo Allicock, who is also chair of the CARICOM Diplomatic Corp in South Florida spoke of the meetings as successful noting that the delegation was reassured that, at the highest level, Florida State indicated strong interest in partnering with CARICOM and its collected Diaspora.
Also resulting from the meeting, was an agreement for follow-up discussions “hopeful that there would be appreciable and positive results over the next year,” according to the Consul General.
According to Mr. Allicock, the discussions were centered around CARICOM’s trade relationship with the State, the positive impact of the Caribbean business community on Florida’s economy, education initiatives, technical cooperation and immigration matters.
Regarding education, the delegation expressed to the Governor an interest in acquiring and creating greater access to scholarships for Caribbean students at educational institutions throughout the State. Presently, a large number of the student enrolment in several tertiary institutions in Florida were Caribbean nationals.
On the matter of immigration, the delegation pointed out to the Governor how those policies negatively impacted the Caribbean community especially in the area of deportation.
Pointing to the joint programs between the FDLE and the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF), the Governor lauded the partnership of officers for the liaison efforts in law enforcement activities in both regions. In addition, it was further agreed that seminars would be hosted for senior representatives of Florida law enforcement agencies to further sensitize them to the cultural behavioural nuances of the Caribbean community.
Discussions also continued on environmental management with emphasis on cooperation in disaster preparedness and ways to partner in cutting edge approach to coastal management.
The delegation included Mr. Edward Bushell of Barbados, Ms. Alma Adams of Bahamas, Mr. Gerard Greene, Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Ralph Latortue, Haiti and Mr. Ian Sweeney of Antigua.
Caribbean nationals continue to impact positively, the economy of the United States as they hold positions in corporate leadership, public service, academia, and private enterprises such as law, medicine, real estate and the media.
