The Tribune

THE relationship between the 15-member Caribbean Community and the United States of America remains strong, despite differences of opinions “from time to time,” CARICOM’s Secretary-General said.

Visiting New Providence, Ambassador Irwin Larocque also applauded the Bahamas for its role in CARICOM.

“Friends and family can disagree amongst themselves without necessarily straining a relationship and that is how I would characterise the relationship between the United States of America and CARICOM,” Ambassador Larocque said.

“The relationship between the United States of America and the Caribbean Community has always been a strong one and it is because of that strength that it allows for – from time-to-time – differing of opinions about certain issues.”

Ambassador Larocque said one has only to look to the many partnerships formed between the United States and the CARICOM community – be it US assistance with crime, particularly transnational crimes such as drugs, guns and human trafficking; anti-terrorism initiatives; or HIV/AIDS education – to see proof of a “positive relationship”.

He noted that in December, the United States committed to extending the Caribbean Basin Security Initiative Partnership Agreement with Caribbean states.

The commitment was made during the third Caribbean-United States Security Co-operation Dialogue in Trinidad.

A Joint Statement issued at the conclusion of the Trinidad Meetings said the United States and CARICOM have “recommitted to the priorities” of substantially reducing illicit trafficking, advancing public safety and security and further promoting social justice as outlined in the Caribbean/United States Declaration of Principles.

The United States and CARICOM states have also declared their intent to strengthen their co-operation in the period 2012 to 2013 by recognising, among other things, the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security as the primary entity for the co-ordination of all regional security programmes. In addition, CARICOM and the US plan to enhance mechanisms for training and counter narcotics coordination and operations.

The US and CARICOM have also agreed to promote social justice by instituting Youth Workforce Development programmes in the Caribbean to focus on life skills training, technical and vocational training – based on market needs – and private sector assistance with internships and job placements.

“And if you were to recognise the levels of engagement that have taken place over the years including meetings between the Presidents of the United States of America and the Heads of Government of CARICOM, most recently President Obama meeting with our Heads in Colombia; the somewhat regular meetings between United States Secretary of State, Senator Hillary Clinton, and Caribbean Foreign Ministers and other engagements at the senior level, they all tell you that our relationship is a good one, a strong one,” Ambassador Larocque added.

Ambassador Larocque said he anticipates that there will continue to be issues upon which the United States “disagree with us and issues upon which we disagree with them from time-to-time, (but) I think it (the relationship) is strong enough for us to do so.”