CARICOM summit to tackle Barbados immigration, TT-CARICOM issues

Heads of Governments from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) begin their annual meeting in Guyana Thursday with a packed agenda that includes discussions on the global economic crisis, Swine Flu and the strengthening of the regional integration movement.

The discussions will focus on Trinidad & Tobago's planned political union with Eastern Caribbean States, which have been criticized as possibly undermining CARICOM, and Manning's stimulus package to strengthen economic development in selected CARICOM countries.

The economic plan will see a cooperation between Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica, Dominica, Grenada and St Vincent and the Grenadines.

Read the story: Manning outlines Caricom-TT stimulus plan

Manning said last month a union with smaller Caribbean states would bring increased economic activity in the entire region - both in Trinidad and Tobago and in the countries of the Eastern Caribbean.

"Whether we in Trinidad and Tobago like it or not, we cannot stand idly by and watch the Caribbean in this economic situation and do nothing about it. We will pay in blood for taking such a position," he declared.

Related: Manning committed to regional union

The Barbadian Prime Minister has another issue which he will push at the summit. David Thompson told reporters in Bridgetown he is standing firm on his contentious immigration plan, which has been strongly criticized by host Guyana, other CARICOM states and the opposition in Barbados.

Thompson said Wednesday he has no intention of backing down from his policy to kick out undocumented and illegal immigrants from his island nation. He has granted a six-month amnesty to those who have not regularized their status, making it clear that after the period is up, those who still remain illegally will be deported.

He said, "There must be no ambiguity about where Barbados stands on this issue. As Prime Minister, I will outline the policy position of the government and that which I sense is the position of the vast majority of Barbadians."

Thompson also said he is not seeking confrontation but is looking for ideas and suggestions from his colleagues for tackling the problem.

"Above all else, I will embrace any and all ideas advanced by my colleagues towards managing, mitigating and eventually alleviating the challenge of illegal, undocumented and unchecked migration in Barbados."

The agenda for the 4-day meeting includes:

• Climate change
• Tourism
• Health, including a regional Swine Flu protocol
• The global economic crisis
• Strengthening the integration movement