Prime Minister Harris attends CARICOM-US Summit

Basseterre, St. Kitts — Prime Minister Dr. The Hon. Timothy Harris left the federation yesterday, for Jamaica, to attend the [Thursday, April 9] summit of Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government and United States President Barack Obama.

The Prime Minister leads a five-person delegation comprising Minister of Foreign Affairs and Aviation, the Hon. Mark Brantley; Minister of Public Infrastructure, Posts, Urban Development and Transport, the Hon. Ian Patches Liburd; St. Kitts and Nevis High Commissioner to Jamaica, His Excellency Mr. Cedric Harper; and Director in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ms. Kaye Bass.

The meeting marks the third time CARICOM leaders would have met with the President and is a sign that the relationship between CARICOM member states and the United States of America is considered important by the Obama administration. Discussions will focus on competitiveness, energy and security.

Tomorrow’s summit will be preceded by a preparatory caucus of the CARICOM leaders, scheduled for later today.

During Dr. Harris’ absence, Deputy Prime Minister the Hon. Shawn Richards will act as Prime Minister. Senior Minister the Hon. Vance Amoy will carry the other portfolio responsibilities, including Finance. Attorney General the Hon. Vincent Byron will carry responsibility for Foreign Affairs and Aviation. Minister of State Senator Wendy Phipps will carry responsibility for Public Infrastructure, Posts, Urban Development and Transport.

Following the summit, the Prime Minister and a delegation is expected to travel to New York to interact with nationals, meet members of the diplomatic corps, potential investors and persons with interest in St. Kitts and Nevis.