Port of Spain (July 8th, 2011) – The Association of Caribbean States held a Press Conference on July 8th, 2011 to launch the 10th Edition of the ACS Book, ‘Promoting the Sustainable Development of the Greater Caribbean’, introduce the newly appointed Communications Officer of the ACS to the media and highlight the contribution of the ACS to the Greater Caribbean. Also in attendance were the Ambassadors of the Republic of Guatemala to Trinidad and Tobago, Guisela Godinez Sazo and the Ambassador of the Dominican Republic to Trinidad and Tobago, José Serulle Ramia.

He mentioned that one of the outcomes of the recently concluded meeting of the 32nd Heads of Government Meeting of CARICOM is that this organization has expressed its political will to meet with the Heads of Government of their Central American counterparts of the Central American Integration System (SICA) at the 3rd SICA - CARICOM Summit on August 19th, 2011. The Summit is an initiative to galvanise all the opportunities of all the countries involved. He further indicated that the ACS plays a vital role in some of the issues of the SICA – CARICOM Plan of Action.

In view of the recent Guatemala Trade Mission, which was also attended by the Minister of Trade and Industry of Trinidad and Tobago, Hon. Stephen Cadiz, the Secretary General reported that the meeting was very fruitful and it opened new opportunities in trade between Trinidad and Tobago and Guatemala. This Meeting was organized by the President of the Trinidad and Tobago Chamber of Commerce, Andrew Sabga, the Ambassador of the Republic of Guatemala, Guisela Godinez Sazo and the Secretary General of the ACS.

The Secretary General announced the intention of the Dominican Republic to open a new air route between Trinidad and Tobago and that country. He expressed that this new venture will improve the opportunity to travel throughout the region.

He also took the opportunity to reveal that Colombia intends to open an Embassy in Trinidad and Tobago. He opined that this initiative reflects the importance of Trinidad and Tobago to Latin America and it also shows support for the Association.

The Secretary General appealed to Trinidad and Tobago to assist and contribute in the process of cooperation and integration of the Greater Caribbean through the strengthening of SICA – CARICOM relationships.