St. Lucia PM proposes CARICOM tourism summit

September 13, 2016 in Regional
Prime Minister Allen Chastanet (R) meeting with CARICOM Secretary General, Irwin LaRocque

Prime Minister Allen Chastanet (R) meeting with CARICOM Secretary General, Irwin LaRocque

CASTRIES, St Lucia — Saint Lucia Prime Minister Allen Chastanet has proposed the implementation of two initiatives that he believes will assist the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in finding solutions for surmounting some of the economic challenges confronting the regional body.

In a recent meeting with CARICOM secretary general, Irwin LaRocque, Chastanet mooted the idea of a tourism summit, which he said should be convened by the Caribbean Community in the short to medium term.

He also emphasized the need for the Council of Finance and Planning (COFAP), to convene an urgent round of joint discussions, noting that they must undertake a more active role in an environment where the region is confronting several critical micro- and macro-economic challenges.

COFAP is also responsible for economic policy coordination, along with the financial and monetary integration of member states.

LaRocque visited Saint Lucia on September 6, 2016.