Another call for improvement to regional travel

 

Foreign Affairs Minister of Antigua and Barbuda Chet Greene has reiterated the need for more to be done to improve regional travel.

 

Travel across CARICOM states has been a sore point for regional integration over several years following the demise of Air Jamaica and in recent times the beleaguered LIAT airlines.

 

Mr. Greene has called for the political will to be exercised to manifest the treaty of Chaguaramas for greater integration. 

 

"The pandemic exacerbated the issue of full regional transportation. In order to achieve CARICOM pillars of regional integration, it is necessary for us to address this issue of regional travel with the urgency that is required. Our respected member states along with the secretariat need to devise workable plans and solutions to provide affordable air and maritime travel," he urged.  

 

This, the minister said, would require lobbying efforts through the ministries of foreign affairs and overseas missions to friendly nations for developmental systems.

 

"Additionally, we would encourage the secretariats to further create the environment that will foster stronger community engagement through improved internal relations. Through this, we’ll have a much better Caribbean community where our people can express their talents and innovative capabilities to further lend to regional development," he proposed.   

 

Mr. Greene was addressing Tuesday's opening ceremony of the 26th Council on Foreign and Community Relations at the Pegasus Hotel in New Kingston.