PORT-AU-PRINCE, Haiti – Prime Minister Freundel Stuart has given the assurance that CARICOM leaders intend “to get to the bottom of some of the issues that are spawning the level of violence that we are seeing across the Caribbean today”.

 

Speaking prior to the start of the 29th Inter- sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government underway in Haiti, he said the Caribbean had been witnessing a gradual and, at times, rapid deterioration in the state of the societies as a result of crime and violence, and the issue will take centre stage at the summit.

 

“At the regional level, crime and violence has become a serious issue for us. It’s actually threatening the stability of our societies and, therefore, not without significance, the distinguished Prime Minister of Jamaica requested at the last Heads of Government meeting in Grenada, that rather than just discussing the issue of regional security, that we should also discuss the issue of crime and violence since that was a pressing issue for him in Jamaica from day to day,” Stuart said.

 

“And, therefore, that is going to be an important agenda item at this meeting.”

 

The Barbadian leader was optimistic that regional leaders would come to a consensus on adopting measures “to counteract these tendencies and to create a more peaceful civilization for our people”.

 

The CARICOM Conference officially opened yesterday evening with a reception at the Karibe Hotel, hosted by CARICOM Chairman Jovenel Moïse and First Lady, Martin Moise.

 

The formal business session started today at the Marriott Hotel.

 

Source: Caribbean 360