UPON RETURN FROM MONTERREY, MEXICO

Wednesday 14th January 2004

 I believe that the Special Summit of the Americas was a success.  All of the countries of the hemisphere committed themselves to a workable set of goals and objectives that will allow us to monitor the progress made in the region in three areas: economic growth with equity; social development; and democratic governance.

 While the leaders gathered in Monterrey to commit themselves to those general goals, it provided me with an opportunity at my first Summit to meet some of the other hemispheric leaders for the first time.  It was also a time to discuss matters of mutual concern with my Caricom colleagues.

 You already know what the range of activities included but I would like to say that whether it was speaking with the President of Mexico, the President of Chile, the President of the United States or the Prime Minister of Canada, The Bahamas enjoys a good reputation throughout the hemisphere.  It is the pledge of the Government to continue to enhance that reputation.

 I am of the view that there will be some practical initiatives that will come from the visit as well.  I am particularly interested in the offer made by Mexico to extend scholarships for technical and vocational training.  I have also spoken to the Mexican Foreign Minister about the possibility of sending persons from Mexico to train Bahamians in the building of furniture.

 As you know I have on a number of occasions expressed my concern about the ability of the work force to keep pace with an economy that is in a state of heightened activity as we expect during the coming year.

 I was pleased that there was also the opportunity to meet with Caricom colleagues including President Jean Bertrand Aristide of Haiti to discuss what Caricom can do to assist the political process within Haiti.  As part of the Caricom initiatives, it is hoped that The Bahamas will play host to Opposition leaders from Haiti and three Caricom Prime Ministers next week on the 20th and 21st of January in Nassau for a special meeting to discuss Haiti’s political situation.  President Aristide has welcomed the new Caricom initiative.

 The Bahamas continues to be engaged in any initiatives that will develop democracy and civil polity in that country.

 I also welcome the joint declaration made with other Caricom members, the United States and the Dominican Republic to reaffirm our commitment to the Third Border Initiative.  This is a commitment to regional security, which acknowledges that each country in the Caribbean including the United States has a responsibility to ensure that its territory is safe and secure, not just in the traditional sense of security but including freedom from poverty, HIV/AIDS, and illiteracy.

 While in Monterrey, I also had the opportunity to speak with the President of the Dominican Republic and it has been agreed that at an early stage there will be a meeting between our two countries to deal with outstanding issues including the poaching by their fishermen in Bahamian waters and any joint initiatives we can make together in the field of tourism.