US delegation to meet Caricom leaders

A United States congressional delegation is due to attend the final day of the Caricom heads of government meeting on July 5, to discuss issues of mutual interest with Caricom leaders.

The meeting began on Monday.

A statement issued on Wednesday by the delegation's leader, US House of Representatives' Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries, said, "Today, our bipartisan congressional delegation will travel to Trinidad and Tobago. While there, the delegation will meet with Caribbean leaders to engage on pressing economic and geopolitical issues in the Western Hemisphere."

The delegation, Jeffries continued, will also reaffirm the strong partnership between the US and its Caribbean neighbours.

He added, "The trip builds upon the important work the Biden-Harris administration has undertaken in the region."

The delegation will join US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, who is in TT for the Caricom meeting.

In addition to engagements with Caricom leaders, Jeffries said the delegation will hold direct talks with the Government and local civil society leaders on issues such as regional security, economic growth, energy and climate change.

Jeffries described it as an honour to lead this delegation and to be involved in such important conversations with the US' allies in the Caribbean.

"We look forward to a constructive and enlightening congressional delegation visit."

The delegation also includes:
Rep Amata Coleman Radewagen, member, Committee on Veterans’ Affairs; member, Natural Resources Committee; member, Foreign Affairs Committee
Rep Gregory W Meeks, ranking member, Foreign Affairs Committee; member, Committee on Financial ServicesRep Steven Horsford, chair, Congressional Black Caucus; member, Financial Services Committee; member, Armed Services Committee
Rep Yvette D Clarke, member, Committee on Energy and Commerce; member, Committee on Homeland Security
Rep Joyce Beatty, member, Committee on Financial Services
Rep Joaquin Castro, member, Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence; member, Foreign Affairs Committee.