OAS commends TT for successful Summit
6/5/2009

June 04,2009 Trinidad and Tobago has received glowing commendation for hosting a successful and positive Fifth Summit of the Americas.

The praise came from seventeen countries (17) during the Ministerial Summit Implementation Review Group (SIRG) Meeting yesterday in San Pedro Sula, Honduras, at the 39th Regular Session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States.

Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza also congratulated Trinidad and Tobago on a successful Summit and said the choice of the theme, “Securing our citizens’ future by promoting Human Prosperity, Energy Security and Environmental Sustainability”, had been timely and appropriate. He added that the mandates which emanated from the Summit provided a clear agenda for action.

This view was also echoed by Senator the Honourable Dr. Lenny Saith who addressed the first meeting of the SIRG after the recently concluded Summit, saying that “we have the opportunity to build on the very positive tone set by our leaders in Port of Spain and to reinforce our political commitment to the Summit and the mandates emanating from the Summit negotiating process”.

The SIRG is the political and negotiating body responsible for follow-up on Summit mandates, coordinating the Summit agenda and preparing for future Summits.

Secretary General Insulza also highlighted that while countries are primarily responsible for the implementation of the mandates, the role of the OAS and the institutions of the Joint Summit Working Group is to provide both technical and financial support to countries’ efforts.

Representatives at the SIRG indicated that the Fifth Summit had opened a new chapter in hemispheric relations and had created a framework that should be carried forward in addressing regional challenges. They all underscored the validity of the mandates in the Declaration of Commitment of Port of Spain and stressed the resolve to implement these mandates.

The representatives of seventeen (17) countries pointed to the sterling leadership of Trinidad and Tobago in bridging the varied perspectives among countries during the summit process, and to the astute diplomacy of Prime Minister Patrick Manning as key to the successful outcome of the Fifth Summit. Countries expressed a great sense of optimism that the unique spirit of cooperation and partnership evident in Port of Spain would continue as a hallmark of the engagement among countries of the hemisphere.

The General Assembly also saw the lifting of Cuba’s 47-year suspension from the OAS. Mere hours before the historic vote, Dr. Lenny Saith noted that “in calling for greater alliances and a more cohesive and integrated Americas, our leaders signaled a strong desire to re-integrate Cuba into the inter-American system,” during the Fifth Summit of the Americas in Port of Spain. He added that “Trinidad and Tobago stands ready to support this process and looks forward to celebrating its fruition”.

The National Secretariat for the Fifth Summit of the Americas and the Commonwealth Heads of Government Conference is now in its planning stage to host the upcoming meeting of Commonwealth leaders, which takes place from November 27-29, 2009.

This 21st Meeting will be highlighted by a State visit from Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II and will consist of associated events including Private Sector, Civil Society and Youth fora.

The theme for the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting is “Partnering for a more Equitable and Sustainable Future”.