PM Golding updated on proposed political union by Trinidad's PM Manning

The visit took place within the context of the agreement reached in Port of Spain on August 14, 2008 with the Prime Ministers of Grenada, St Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines. Following that meeting, it was decided that Prime Minister Manning should travel to other Caricom countries to brief their governments on the proposed union.

Mr. Golding reiterated that Jamaica would not participate in any political union. Notwithstanding this, he acknowledged the right of sovereign nations to do so but insisted that the implications for Caricom had to be carefully examined. He said he looked forward to the study on the modalities for the proposed union which is expected before the end of the year. Mr. Golding underscored the importance that the matter be discussed by the conference of the Heads of Government of Caricom.

Jamaica’s Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign affairs, Dr Kenneth Baugh was in attendance at the meeting while Prime Minister Manning was accompanied by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago, Paula Gopee-Scoon.