We, the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, have met in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago on April 17th, 2009, in advance of the inauguration of the Fifth Summit of the Americas. It is a source of immense pride for us that the Fifth Summit of the Americas is taking place for the first time in a Member State of the Caribbean Community. We recognize the extraordinary efforts that the Government of Trinidad and Tobago has made to prepare for and host the Summit, and we pledge our full support to our colleague Prime Minister, the Honourable Patrick Manning, as he carries out his important responsibilities as Chairman of this historic Meeting. We have received from the meeting of Plenipotentiaries the draft Declaration of Commitment of Port of Spain. It is the product of intense negotiations over several months, and we believe it accurately reflects the full range of views expressed by the representatives of our Governments on the Summit Theme: Securing our Citizens Future by Promoting Human Prosperity, Energy Security and Environmental Sustainability. The draft Declaration merits the consensus support of the Summit and we commend it to our fellow Heads of Government for adoption. We recognize that there have been profound developments, both within our region and internationally, since preparations began for the Fifth Summit. The leaders of the hemisphere come together in Port of Spain at a time of unprecedented challenge to the world economy and to the global financial system. The impact of the current crisis is potentially as severe for the developing countries of the hemisphere, as it has been for the developed economies in which it originated, and will fall disproportionately on the weakest and most vulnerable in our societies. It is critical therefore that participants use the unique opportunity this Forum provides to promote partnership and dialogue as we seek to find lasting solutions to the problems that confront us. Now, at this the most critical time in our modern history, we must let wisdom and statesmanship, not acrimony and old animosities guide our thinking and our actions. On this day, and in this beautiful city of Port of Spain, we appeal to our colleague Leaders, from across the hemisphere to join us in forging a new spirit of cooperation and unity of purpose, one that will strengthen development, promote social cohesion and improve the lives of all of our citizens. As members of the Caribbean family CARICOM countries have longstanding ties with the Governments and peoples of United States and Cuba, our close neighbours and friends. We have made it clear at every Summit that the inclusion of Cuba into the mainstream of hemispheric affairs remains a matter of priority importance for us. In this regard we welcome the initiatives recently taken by the President of the United States Barack Obama to remove the restrictions on remittances and travel by Cuban-Americans. We are convinced that the new US Administration fully understands the need for new approaches in a new era of hemispheric partnership, which will lead to changes including a lifting of the embargo. We expect also that a framework can be established to promote dialogue on the issues that have defined the relationship between the United States and Cuba over the years. We stand ready to assist in any way that we can to promote such dialogue between our two close allies in what we recognize is a complex process towards the rebuilding of a relationship, and the reversal of 50 years of active non-engagement between them. We appreciate the need for wide consensus-building on this issue within all branches of the United States Government and the importance therefore for all leaders to show patience and understanding towards the Governments of the United States and Cuba as they embark on what we hope will be a defining moment in their bilateral relations. From: CARICOM Secretariat