Belize Relinquishes Pro Tem Chair of CARICOM to Dominica

CARICOM Heads of Government are currently in Georgetown, Guyana for the thirty-seventh Regular Meeting. In addition to regional matters up for discussion, Belize will also be handing over the chairmanship of the prestigious body to the Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit. Just as it was when CARICOM heads of government met in Placencia in February, the biggest issue facing and threatening the economy of the region is the loss of correspondent banking relationships. During that session a decision was made to convene a high-level team to champion the region’s cause to the U.N. and the U.S.  The discussion on that critical component of economic security continues in Guyana. The group will also be looking at border issues, particularly the ongoing tensions between Guyana and Venezuela and Belize and Guatemala. CARICOM has continued to advocate for and endorse the territorial sovereignty of Belize and Guyana, and it is expected that coming out of this three-day session will be another united declaration. Belize is being represented in Guyana by Minister of Foreign Affairs Wilfred Elrington, CARICOM Ambassador Daniel Gutierrez and C.E.O. Lawrence Sylvester.