Grenada PM speaks out on meeting with Bush

Grenada's Prime Minister Mr. Keith Mitchell

Thursday, September 25, 2003

NEW YORK, New York: Grenada's Prime Minister Mr. Keith Mitchell has described the meeting yesterday morning between him, his three other regional colleagues, and U.S. President Mr. George W. Bush, as "excellent and extremely productive."

Prime Minister Mitchell said the U.S. President expressed appreciation to the Caribbean Community for seriously responding to the issue of international terrorism and taking appropriate measures to secure the region against such threats.

The meeting with President Bush lasted for approximately one hour and twenty minutes and included Prime Minister Mitchell, Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony of St. Lucia, President Bharrat Jagdeo of Guyana and Prime Minister Perry Christie of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas. 

Prime Minister Mitchell said it was agreed that there should be more regular dialogue between the U.S. President and the CARICOM Heads of Government. The four Caribbean leaders in attendance reportedly requested at least a one-day meeting with the President and all CARICOM Heads of Government in that regard.

Prime Minister Mitchell said he addressed the issue of Cuba during the discussions, noting that CARICOM is friends with both the USA and the Republic of Cuba.

"I told the President that CARICOM stands ready to facilitate more engagement between America and Cuba on issues of common concern. We are prepared to help in whatever way we can," the Grenadian Leader said in a prepared statement.
Other areas discussed during the meeting included trade and the breakdown of the World Trade Organisation talks in Cancun, Mexico, the situation in Haiti, support for HIV/AIDS and the need for assistance in enhancing security in CARICOM member states, as well as the economic and social challenges the region faces.

Prime Minister Mitchell, in his capacity as the Prime Minister responsible for Science and Technology in CARICOM, also sought support from President Bush for the CARICOM/World Bank proposal to have the Caribbean established as a Centre of Excellence for Connectivity through a Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network. The proposal is to connect tertiary level institutions in the region to provide educational and training opportunities through on line technologies. The idea for this proposal originates from the Summit of the Americas that was held in Quebec City in 2001. It was subsequently propelled by the Canadian Government and further advanced by the World Bank.

"The President was very excited about this initiative, recognising the potential for training and learning opportunities for people in the Region," Prime Minister Mitchell added.

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