UNITED STATES PRESIDENT Barack Obama may meet Caricom leaders, including Prime Minister Freundel Stuart, in Jamaica early next month, according to highly placed sources in Washington.
“Although the agenda for the president’s meeting with Jamaica’s leader Portia Simpson-Miller, Perry Christie, Prime Minister of The Bahamas and chairman of Caricom, as well as Barbados’ Head of Government and their colleagues have not been completed, if the arrangements are finalised, the economic challenges the region faces will be a key issue on the table for discussion,” said the source.
“The announcement of the meeting may come in a day or two from the White House.”
Obama is to meet with the Caribbean leaders, possibly in Montego Bay on April 9, while he is on his way to the Summit Of The Americas in Panama, the source said.
“It would be the second time President Obama meets with Caricom leaders. The first was in Port of Spain during the Summit Of The Americas shortly after Mr Obama came to office almost six years ago,” added the official, who requested anonymity because he wasn’t authorised to speak on the matter.
“It can be seen as part of the Obama administration’s decision to pay more attention to the Caribbean and the problems the island nations face.”
Barbados’ Ambassador in Washington, John Beale, declined to comment on the report. (TB)
