… ahead of opening of Summit of Americas

By Rabindra Rooplall in Lima, Peru

IN times of uncertainty, the climate and atmosphere of the Americas region need to be enhanced, embracing goals and aspirations that will show the way forward in meeting various challenges, Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge said.

Greenidge was at the time speaking to Guyanese journalists in Lima, Peru on Thursday, a day before the opening of the two-day VIII Summit of Americas, which is being held under the theme, “Democratic Governance against Corruption”.

Minister Greenidge, Guyana’s Ambassador to the US and the Organisation of American States, Dr. Riyad Insanally, and Guyana’s Ambassador to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Charlene Phoenix comprise the Guyanese delegation.

Greenidge said a number of new governments have been elected since the last summit and it is important that the changes show in the approaches, which should also be reflected in the way many issues are tackled.

He said Latin America and the Caribbean have been trying to share ideas and approaches towards the challenges that face many states and the theme for the summit is one of great importance since there are many issues to be addressed comprehensively.
Outside of this, he said, one has to recognise that politics and international relations will never arrive at a point of perfection.

Adding that institutional changes against certain backgrounds will also be dealt with, the foreign affairs minister said the English-speaking states are focused on the international relations front with trading and political relations being paramount.

“The truth is that we have not been able to achieve as much in this regard as we would like to, for a number of reasons, which include the changes taking place around the globe. I believe all the countries and previous governments committed themselves in trying to build a close relationship.”

He said within the Americas, the Caribbean and Latin America as a whole have tried on many fronts and there is recognition that political changes have implications.

DIALOGUE
At the summit, he said, dialogue is paramount and even with ideological and political differences, common ground can be reached without compounding any divisions.
He said countries in general recognise the divisiveness in the face of global forces and in the face of other states that may not have Guyana’s interest at heart.

“It’s a common goal, and Guyana at this point and time also recognises that part of the route is dealing with territorial problems and a common understanding, and having closer and deeper dialogue with all of the region is needed for a clearer understanding on our ambitions, dangers, differences and possible options in solving various problems,” Greenidge said.

Noting that Guyana is a microstate in the region, Greenidge said if the country is not in a position to fund and develop its economic resources, then a way must be made possible through a collective effort.

He opined that the Caribbean may not be big enough to propel its economic development and advancements, and as such, there is need for economic integration.
This, the foreign affairs minister said, requires not merely a Caribbean Single Market but integration in the Americas.

Meanwhile, Greenidge said the summit is also aimed at coordinating concrete action among member states in the fight against corruption, which hinders sustainable development and transnational threats across the Western hemisphere.
He explained that the fight against corruption is multifaceted and Guyana would wish to share the initiatives it has embarked on with other countries in trying to ensure accountability.

Underscoring that the region has always been challenged in dealing with issues of corruption which will interest regional and sub-regional countries attending the summit, Greenidge said in this case the intent of the meeting is to look at issues of transparency, corruption and each country will be able to represent itself adequately as is usually done.
He said members of the summit are of a global grouping against money laundering and the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) and Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) would address many of the issues.

Greenidge said the region itself holds prominence and Attorney General Basil Williams, who is the chair of that body and the sub region, understands their goals and priorities.