Trinidad and Tobago assumes Chairmanship of the CARICOM Caucus of Ambassadors in Washington, DC
Washington, DC – His Excellency Dr. Neil Parsan, Ambassador of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago to the United States assumed the Chairmanship of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Caucus of Ambassadors in Washington and will serve as Chair for the period July to December 2013, in keeping with the Honourable Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s Chairmanship of the Conference of Heads of Government of the CARICOM for the same period.
The 14 member group meets on a regular basis to discuss issues of importance to the region including matters related to the Organization of American States (OAS), CARICOM-US relations and diaspora outreach.
During his first meeting as Chair of the Caucus, Ambassador Parsan outlined a detailed work plan for the six month period which includes plans for increased engagement with the US on immigration, transportation and trade; the hosting of events to promote trade and investment in the Caribbean; and the presentation of a unified CARICOM position at the OAS, particularly on issues related to the budget, scholarships and national offices.
As part of the agenda for trade and investment promotion, the Chair will host a DC-CARICOM Business Forum in collaboration with the DC Chamber of Commerce, the US Commercial Service, the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center and ExportDC. The event is scheduled to take place in September, 2013 at the Ronald Reagan International Trade Center and will highlight the many business and investment opportunities in the CARICOM in the tourism, renewable energy, financial services and ICT Sectors.
The Caucus will also embark on a Road Show to key US cities including Wilmington, Delaware; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Baltimore, Maryland and Richmond, Virginia to promote trade between the aforementioned cities and the Caribbean.
The Chairmanship of the sub-regional group rotates every six months and corresponds to the Chair of the Conference of Heads of Government. St. Vincent and the Grenadines will follow Trinidad and Tobago as the Chair of CARICOM and the Caucus.
