Caribbean talks taking place in London

Talks on issues relating to the economic, political, and security challenges affecting the region have been taking centre stage in London, England, at the Caribbean 2030 conference, which runs from June 1-3. Some 60 participants, 15 from the United Kingdom (UK) and the rest from the Caribbean region, have been engaged in finding solutions.

"Some will be ministers of government, some will be private-sector leaders, some will be civil society and, basically, we're going to be looking at a range of issues that we have pre-determined to discuss concerns of the region and possible policy prescription that would address some of those concerns," said Dr Christopher Tufton, co-executive director of the Caribbean Policy Research Institute (CaPRI), prior to leaving.

"Basically, we're going to be looking at a range of issues that we have pre-determined on, to discuss concerns of the region and possible policy prescriptions that would address some of those concerns. From that will come a sort of policy position that, hopefully, will lead to a regional approach to some of those positions, as well as bilateral arrangements or agreements between the UK and the Caribbean," Dr Tufton explained.

The issue of renewable energy options for individual countries, as well as the region will be debated. Among the participants from Jamaica are Julian Robinson, minister of state for science, technology, energy; Opposition Leader Andrew Holness; Professor Trevor Munro, executive director of National Integrity Action; and businessman Kevin Hendrickson of Continental Baking Company.

CaPRI co-executive directors Dr Julian King and Dr Tufton, as well as Dr Suzanne Shaw, will also present at the event, which is being sponsored by CaPRI, Wilton Park, JN Foundation and the Caribbean Council in collaboration with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.