PM Leaves for CARICOM Inter-Sessional

Prime Minister Portia Simpson Miller left the island yesterday (February 11), to attend the 18th Inter-sessional Meeting of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, which is being held in St. Vincent and the Grenadines from February 12 to 14.
Heads of Government are expected to get an update on activities relating to the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, including the operationalization of the CARICOM Development Fund and the proposals for the expansion of categories under the Free Movement of Skilled Community Nationals. With the region only weeks away from hosting the ICC Cricket World Cup in March, the meeting will discuss issues relating to the staging of the event, including matters relating to security.
Heads will also discuss issues relating to energy with an emphasis on the Draft Regional Energy Policy of the Task Force on Energy. Other agenda items include trade developments as they relate to agriculture, crime and security, external negotiations and efforts to combat the spread of HIV/AIDS in the region.
During her absence, Minister of Housing, Transport, Water and Works, Robert Pickersgill will be in charge of the Government.