Recognizing and Welcoming the Delegation of Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Foreign Ministers from the Caribbean to Washington, DC

Floor Speech

RECOGNIZING AND WELCOMING THE DELEGATION OF PRESIDENTS, PRIME MINISTERS, AND FOREIGN MINISTERS FROM THE CARIBBEAN TO WASHINGTON, DC -- (Extensions of Remarks - June 15, 2007)

* Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome an impressive delegation of Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Foreign Ministers from the Caribbean to Washington, DC for the first ``Conference on the Caribbean'' through the coordination of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the State Department, and Congress.

* This multifaceted and dynamic region is strikingly promising, offering an array of opportunities. CARICOM is committed to enhancing economic integration through a common market and common trade policies. Members of this organization are also committed to increasing their functional cooperation by pooling resources and services in the area of human and social development, as well as coordinating foreign policy objectives that make a concerted stride for regional advancement.

* The fact that this meeting is taking place in our Nation's capitol is indeed something that I applaud. However, I would be remiss if I did not emphasize the concentrated costs associated with developing an institutional framework needed to secure deeper regional integration. Therefore, it is essential that the international community invests in the socioeconomic infrastructure of this lucrative region in order to increase competitiveness and development. Aggressively pursuing partnerships and seizing opportunities to open markets are instrumental in securing a progressive future for this often ignored region.

* This fortified partnership is much needed to address plaguing social dilemmas that warrant international attention. As HIV/AIDS, crime, and poverty ripple through the Caribbean region, we must be compelled to advocate for this region's growing plights. The increasing West Indian influence in the U.S. legitimizes the need for continued U.S.-Caribbean relations. According to 2000 census data an estimated 1.9 million of the total U.S. population comes from a West Indian background.

* I am proud to represent Florida's 23rd district where approximately 115,000, or 18 percent of the entire district, has a Caribbean heritage. The growing presence of West Indians in South Florida, New York, and Washington, DC, has contributed to enhancing multicultural communities that are committed to economic development and social advancement.

* I applaud this important step, and look forward to working with CARICOM to improve the overall relations between the U.S. Congress and our Caribbean allies.

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