The United States is pledging a new beginning with Cuba and a new policy of partnership as its method of engagement with its neighbours in the Hemisphere.

President Barack Obama made the commitment while addressing the 33 other democratically elected Heads of State and Government of the Western Hemisphere at the opening ceremony of the Fifth Summit of the Americas in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. He also announced that $30 million is to be invested to strengthen security cooperation in the Caribbean.

The U.S. President acknowledged the need to rebuild trust in the Region and pledged his administration would seek engagement based on equal partnership.

He outlined areas of commitment by the United States government to positive development in the Region.  "We joined with our G-20 partners to set aside over one trillion dollars for countries going through difficult times," said Mr. Obama.

The U.S. President said work is planned with the Inter-American Development Bank to increase current levels of lending and announced that the U.S. will establish a new microfinance growth fund for the hemisphere.

On the often mentioned issue of Cuba, President Obama said his administration had already changed some policies and is prepared to engage the Cuban government in what he sees as a long journey in a new direction.

The burden of change, he said, lay on all countries and cautioned others not to blame every problem on the United States.

President Obama said nothing would happen overnight but promised to be there “as a friend and a partner" as the future of all the countries of the Western Hemisphere is inextricably bound.

VSOA-TT 50-2009