Belizean Prime Minister Attends 9th Summit of Heads of State and/or Government of the Association of Caribbean States

Prime Minister John Briceno departed the country yesterday enroute to Antigua, Guatemala. The Prime Minister attended the 9th Summit of Heads of State and/or Government of the Association of Caribbean States where he delivered an address to the gathering. In his remarks, PM Briceno, posed the question, “how will the ACS remain relevant and viable while addressing these seemingly insurmountable challenges?” On the heels of the question, he presented some ideas, saying, quote, “We would like to suggest that the organization returns to its roots ─ the Caribbean Sea ─ and in the first instance, in addition to our robust political dialogue, focus should be intensified in two thematic areas: the first being the maritime transport challenge, which hinders greater economic interaction and integration amongst ACS states and the second, should be focusing attention on disaster risk management amongst ACS states.” End of quote. Additionally, the Prime Minister is expected to hold bilateral discussions with the President of the Republic of Guatemala, Slovenia’s Deputy Prime Minister, and representatives from Spain, Italy, and the United Arab Emirates. Deputy Prime Minister Cordel Hyde will hold over the reins of the country until Briceno returns on Monday, May 15.