4/5/2009

In 2009, Trinidad and Tobago will host the Fifth Summit of the Americas. 

The Summits of the Americas are held every three to four years and bring together the 34 democratically elected Heads of State and Government in the Western Hemisphere to exchange ideas and opinions on the political, economic, social, and security challenges confronting the region. 

From 1994, the Summits process has seen the implementation of several initiatives advancing improvements in healthcare, education, infrastructure and security, disaster mitigation and preparedness, environmental conservation, and democratic governance across the hemisphere - all for the benefit of the people of the Americas.  

Trinidad and Tobago will be the first Caribbean, Small Island Developing State to host the Summit. The goal of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago in preparing for the Fifth Summit is to ensure that the focus remains on people - that it brings meaningful and tangible benefits to all the people of the Americas.  This emphasis on people and giving priority to improving their quality of life is at the heart of the country's own Vision 2020.