Barrow takes questions from regional reporters

Before Air Force one touched down with President Obama at the Piarco Airport, CARICOM leaders caucused to determine the region’s position on a number of issues, including the hot button issue of Cuba and the lifting of the Trade Embargo on the island. P.M. Dean Barrow was swarmed by reporters as he provided CARICOM’s perspective.

Dean Barrow, CARICOM Chairman
“I don’t want to suggest that there’s one issue that stands at the top. These are very, very important issues. What we tried to do—there was a working document prepared. We lifted what we thought were the most important issues to flag from the working document and we will make a focused presentation on those issues in the bilateral.”

Reporter
“When will the CARICOM leaders meet with President Obama?”

Dean Barrow
“Later this evening, after the opening ceremony.”

Marleni Cuellar
“Do you think the issue of Cuba is deflecting away from the issues that the Caribbean region faces?”

Dean Barrow
“Well, I think the issue of Cuba is one of the issues that the Caribbean region faces. There is clearly a degree of solidarity on the part of the region with respect to the embargo but again we have taken what I consider to be a fair but very nuanced position and I don’t want to get ahead of myself or get ahead of the caucus in saying too much more.”