Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar S.C., has begun Day Two activities at the 51st Meeting of the Conference of Heads of CARICOM.
Accompanying the Honourable Prime Minister are the Honourable Sean Sobers, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs; the Honourable Nicholas Morris, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister; Senator the Honourable Darrel Allahar, Minister in the Office of the Prime Minister; and senior officials of the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs.
During Day 2 activities, the Honourable Prime Minister is attending a Retreat and Caucus for Heads of Government. The Honourable Prime Minister will utilise today’s activities to advance regional and national issues of importance, including:
Expanding Regional Healthcare Cooperation
With support from the Government of India, Trinidad and Tobago has established a state-of-the-art national prosthetic centre to provide affordable, high-quality artificial limbs to those in need. Trinidad and Tobago will invite all CARICOM Member States to access this facility, enabling children and adults across our region who have suffered limb loss due to accidents, illness or chronic non-communicable diseases to benefit from renewed mobility, dignity and hope.
Additionally, Trinidad and Tobago stands ready to deepen regional healthcare cooperation by making our medical expertise available. Trinidad and Tobago continues to produce highly trained doctors and healthcare professionals through the University of the West Indies, and is prepared to work with our regional partners to strengthen healthcare delivery across the Caribbean. As a regional medical hub, Trinidad and Tobago remains committed to sharing both its expertise and its human resources in the service of our Caribbean family.
Reducing the Cost of Living Through Greater Regional Connectivity
The rising cost of living continues to place enormous pressure on Caribbean families. The Prime Minister will advocate innovative solutions that directly improve the lives of the peoples of the Region. One such solution is to improve cargo movement across the Caribbean. The Prime Minister will encourage discussions on expanding the use of both fast ferries and conventional ferry services, including Trinidad and Tobago's participation, to facilitate more efficient and affordable regional trade. Lower transport costs can translate into lower prices for goods, strengthen food security and make our economies more resilient.
Enhancing Regional Security
The security of one Caribbean nation is the security of us all. The Government of Trinidad and Tobago remains fully committed to strengthening collaboration among our law enforcement and national security agencies, particularly in cybercrime, financial crime, transnational organised crime and intelligence sharing. The Prime Minister will reaffirm Trinidad and Tobago's commitment to regional solidarity, mutual respect and meaningful cooperation.
