IT WAS QUIET on all fronts at the Hilton Barbados today, on the first day of the second Mexico-CARICOM Summit.
But that could change significantly from tomorrow, with the hotel being a hive of activity as Prime Ministers and government officials from across the region converge on the Needhams Point venue until Monday.
It was difficult to even realize a major political event was being held when the summit commenced early this morning, with closed-door bilateral talks between CARICOM and Mexican officials.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Senator Maxine McClean revealed that though Prime Minister Freundel Stuart would be leading the local delegation, a number of other high-ranking officials would have integral parts to play in creating dialogue with Mexico’s President Felipe Calderon and his governmental officials with a view of getting a number of agreements implemented.
McClean will take a lead role in such talks this morning, when CARICOM foreign ministers meet with Calderon. “There are many issues we have to discuss and the Prime Minister, as head of the delegation, will have the major role to play, but we also have persons in place to deal with a number of other issues,” she noted.
Foreign Affairs Officer in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, David Gibbs, informed the SATURDAY SUN that today’s three-hour closed-door talks with Mexican officials had a special part to play, before things swung into motion today.
“In a technical co-operation meeting which will be held tomorrow parties from both sides will be looking to iron out just how Mexico and Barbados can come together to help each other. The meeting will address a number of possibilities, such as dual opportunities in area like sports, culture, education and especially trade,” Gibbs noted.
Full story in tomorrow’s Saturday Sun
