At Carib News, we are thrilled to see the continuation of a vision that has been close to our hearts for decades: fostering meaningful dialogue and collaboration between the Caribbean and the United States. The recent meeting between CARICOM leaders and the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) on November 30, 2024, was a pivotal step in addressing matters of mutual concern, underscoring the strength of the relationship between the two regions.
For nearly three decades, Carib News has championed the mission of forging stronger ties between the Caribbean and key stakeholders in the United States. Our Carib News Multi-National Business Conference launched in 1995, has long been a platform for bringing CBC members to the Caribbean to discuss economic development, trade, and cultural connections. Seeing this tradition continue, with a renewed focus on security, climate change, and economic growth, reaffirms our belief in the power of collaboration.
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Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett, a proud Caribbean-American and Member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, captured the spirit of the meeting in her remarks. “As a proud Caribbean-American and Virgin Islander, I am committed to highlighting the need for enhancement of the economic partnership between the United States and the Caribbean region through strengthened trade engagement, promoting opportunities for equitable economic growth and development across the region, and direct engagement with diverse stakeholders from the Caribbean,” she said. This sentiment resonates deeply with the goals of the CARICOM leaders who participated in the discussions.
The CBC delegation, led by Leader Hakeem Jeffries and including distinguished members such as Rep. Maxine Waters, Rep. Gregory Meeks, and Rep. Barbara Lee, brought an impressive breadth of experience to the table. Their focus on critical issues such as climate resilience, equitable economic development, and trade underscores their commitment to addressing the unique challenges faced by the Caribbean.
Congresswoman Yvette Clarke, had this to say about the meeting
“I was honored to join the bipartisan Congressional delegation to Barbados over the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. As a daughter to Jamaican immigrants and representative of a large Caribbean-American population within my district, I am committed to fostering and enhancing the vital economic partnership between the United States and the Caribbean.
“During our visit, we met with government officials and regional representatives to discuss ways to advance our respective security, economic, and climate goals. I was immensely grateful for the opportunity to commemorate the 58th anniversary of Barbados’ independence and to celebrate the 100th birthday of my predecessor and proud Barbadian-American, the Honorable Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm.
“In order to achieve equitable economic growth and development across the region, we must build upon the work of the Biden-Harris Administration and continue to implement policy that strengthens our relationships with America’s allies in the Caribbean.”
