New members join Caricom
Six new member countries from the Eastern Caribbean are scheduled to officially join the Caribbean Community (Caricom) agreement today during the opening of the organization's summit in St. Kitts and Nevis.
The summit, which runs through Thursday, will also mark the return of Haiti to the regional group, according to a report in Monday's Miami Herald.
Eastern Caribbean countries that are members of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States have delayed their entry into Caricom since January, after forming their own regional trade bloc. The report said Eastern Caribbean nations are concerned about a trade imbalance with the existing 15 Caricom nations.
The summit is also expected to address issues such as regional energy needs, the migration of skilled workers, and the need to deter crime on tourist-dependent islands.
Haitian President Rene Preval was scheduled to give Monday's opening address, which is noteworthy because Haiti has not participated in Caricom since it was suspended in 2004 after a revolt and the overthrow of former President Jean-Bertrand Aristide.
Caricom said the government that replaced Aristide was not constitutional.
Preval, who was also president from 1996 to 2001, was elected once again in February of this year.
New members join Caricom
