The largest ever contingent of Caribbean community (CARICOM) leaders to gather in Washington DC, began their series of meetings on Monday when the foreign ministers of CARICOM met with the United States Secretary of State of State, Condoleezza Rice. Thirteen of the community’s heads of government and the secretary general of CARICOM have gone to Washington to participate in the conference on the Caribbean, being held under the theme: “A 20/20 Vision,” which ends on Thursday. The prime minister of Saint Lucia and the president of Suriname will not be attending but will be represented. The heads of gin all their interactions with the US administration and the congressional representatives are expected to emphasise CARICOM’s desire for a true partnership with the US. “This partnership could be consummated by building on the strong foundation which already exists and working to achieve specific goals which will be to the mutual benefit of both parties,” said chairman of the caucus of CARICOM ambassadors to the US, Ellsworth John of St Vincent and the Grenadines. He added that the objective of the conference is to create an awareness of Caribbean issues for Congressional Representatives, and an exchange of views with the expectation of identifying specific “deliverables” for the region. CARICOM has signal intentions to raise issues relating to growth and development, security for all and support for the economic and institutional development of Haiti. Under growth and development, the discussion will include trade and competitiveness, support for regional integration, climate change, financial services, funding for the Millennium Development Goals (MGD), cooperation in education and health services and the Catastrophic Risk Insurance Fund. Under security for all, issues surrounding cooperation on security initiatives and immigration and involuntary repatriation will be on the table. Ambassador John alluded to the fact that were geographical, historical and cultural factors which made the Caribbean strategically significant and a natural ally of the US. “There is clearly a need for a long-term integrated approach which advances US national interests and security while also taking into account the needs and interests of CARICOM countries,” he added. The Congressional Black Caucus is especially important to the process, the ambassador said due to its support for and cooperation with the Caribbean over the years. During the conference the heads of government of CARICOM will meet with United States President George W. Bush on Wednesday, while CARICOM heads of government and their foreign ministers also will meet with members of both Houses of Congress and members of Cabinet, as well as participate in fora involving the private sector, international organisations and the Caribbean diaspora. The formal opening session under the theme “CARICOM Development in the 21st Century” will take place today at the Preston Auditorium at the World Bank with the prime minister of Barbados, Owen Arthur, who also has the lead portfolio for the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), and US Commerce Secretary Commerce Carlos Gutierrez delivering the keynote addresses. The Chairman of CARICOM, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines will also address the session along with, the secretary general of the Organisation of American States (OAS), Jose Miguel Insulza. The President of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), Luis Moreno and the Deputy Managing Director of the World Bank, Graeme Wheeler are also expected to address the session. Secretary General of CARICOM, Edwin Carrington will welcome participants to the conference. The opening plenary will be followed by the Joint Private Sector-Experts Session under the theme “International Competitiveness of Caribbean Countries.” Other events on the packed first day include the Diaspora Forum at the OAS Hall of the Americas under the themes “The Caribbean Diaspora in Perspective” and “Challenges and Opportunities for Caribbean/US Diaspora.” On that day, there will also be the opening of the official art exhibition at the OAS Hall of Heroes by President of Haiti, His Excellency Rene Preval. On the morning of the final day of the Conference, there will be a joint wrap-up Session at the OAS, Hall of the Americas under the theme “CARICOM Development in the 21st Century: The Way Forward.” The official closing ceremony will be held at the same venue. Reprinted from Caribbean Net News caribbeannetnews.com