4/5/2009

The Declaration address the most pressing issues faced by the countries of the Western Hemisphere and will lay the foundation for action to improve the lives of some 800 million people who live in this Hemisphere.

Officials of the National Secretariat for the Fifth Summit of the Americas say just over three-quarters of the Declaration, which relates to the theme of the Summit,"Securing our Citizens' Future by Promoting Human Prosperity, Energy Security and Environmental Sustainability", have been approved.

Committed to the vision set out by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago in the Draft Declaration, participating countries have repeatedly expressed their resolve to arrive at consensus on the pending issues in the document.

Meanwhile, the Second Advance Country visit, which brought together the Organisation of American States (OAS) Member States to assess Trinidad and Tobago’s readiness for the Fifth Summit of the Americas, was described as a "success."

Acting Commissioner of Police, Gold Commander for the Fifth Summit of the Americas, Steve Waldron, says the delegates who attended the meeting, held earlier this week, expressed a high level of satisfaction with preparations.

The meeting was a follow-up to the First Advance Visit which took place in January. At that time delegates commended Trinidad and Tobago for laying the groundwork for a successful Summit.

ACP Waldron says even though there are minor details still to be worked out, he guarantees "they will be addressed in time for the arrival of the Heads of State and Government and their delegations".

Over 100 representatives, who met in Port of Spain, were assured that the country has met all international standards and best practices relating to protocol, security, accommodation, logistics and communication in preparation for hosting the Fifth Summit of the Americas from April 17-19.

The country representatives were also taken on a visit to the various sites where events will be held for the Heads of State and Government and their spouses. These sites included the Diplomatic Centre; BHP Billiton and the Wild Fowl Trust.

About the Summit of the Americas

The Summit of the Americas brings together the 34 democratically elected leaders of the Western Hemisphere to exchange ideas and opinions on the main political, economic, social and security challenges facing the Hemisphere and to develop strategies and solutions to collectively address these challenges.