News

Antigua PM: “The Future of the Caribbean Depends on How Haiti Will Play Its Role”

By: Caribbean Journal Staff - December 18, 2012

Above: Antigua PM Baldwin Spencer and Haiti Foreign Minister Pierre Richard Casimir (OP Haiti)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Baldwin Dr Spencer’s visit to Haiti began with the signing of a series of Memoranda of Understanding on areas including tourism and education.

The trip was the first to Haiti for Spencer, who is also Antigua’s Foreign Minister.

“The future of the Caribbean depends on how Haiti will play its role in the region,” Spencer said following the signing ceremonies in Port-au-Prince. “We will establish a solid foundation, and thanks to the passion and love of President Martelly, we can achieve our goal.”

The first agreement was signed by Haiti Tourism Minister Stephanie Villedrouin and Calvin Ambrose, the executive director of the Hospitality Training Institute of Antigua and Barbuda, and will focus on hospitality training and tourism, particularly sports and agro-tourism.

There are currently 10 Haitian students participating in a variety of two-year programmes at the ABHTI, jointly funded by the Caribbean Hotel Association Educational Fund and the ABHTI.

“The agreement will allow Antigua and Barbuda to tap Haiti’s vast market for goods and services, trade and investment opportunities while allowing the formation of synergies in tourism-related services,” Spencer said in a statement. “Our intention is also create the enabling environment for the private sector, architects, contractors, other professionals and civil society to seize tangible opportunities that exist in Haiti which can only be of tremendous mutual benefit.”

The second was signed by Foreign Minister Pierre Richard Casimir and Spencer covering ares like trade, investment and construction.

On Thursday, Spencer will travel to Lafiteau, where he will meet with the leaders at the factory in Les Moulines d’Haiti to explore potential business opportunities.

In a statement, Martelly’s office called the trip a “first in the history of both countries.”

“We view Haiti not merely as a challenged society, but also as a CARICOM Member State rich with potential and real opportunities for trade in goods and services,” said Spencer, who returns to Antigua Friday.

Antigua Finance Minister Harold Lovell is acting as PM during Spencer’s absence.

Popular Posts w punta cana

A New All-Inclusive W Hotel Is Opening This Year in Punta Cana 

The first-ever all-inclusive W Hotel in the Caribbean is opening this year in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, Caribbean Journal has learned.  The hotel, part of a broad expansion for parent company Marriott International, is on the list of expected 2024 […]


Why Grenada Is a New Caribbean Luxury Hotspot

beach house silversands

From its world-renowned chocolate to its pristine beaches to a region-leading focus on sustainability, Grenada is as fascinating and unique as destination as you’ll find in the Caribbean.  But in the last few years, the lush Eastern Caribberan island has […]


5 Adults-Only Resorts to Visit Right Now in the Caribbean 

galley bay

Sometimes you just want that extra degree of serenity, of privacy, of seclusion. There is a reason, after all, that adults-only resorts are booming in popularity, particularly in the Caribbean: travelers want to know that when they arrive, they know […]


Related Posts st kitts cockleshell beach

Caribbean Airlines Makes Inaugural Flight to St Kitts 

Caribbean Airlines has added a new destination in the region: the Eastern Caribbean island of St Kitts.  The regional carrier’s first-ever flight to St Kitts’ Robert L Bradshaw International Airport touched down this week, a major milestone for efforts to […]


How to Keep Celebrating 50 Years of The Bahamas’ Independence 

visitors

The Bahamas marked its 50th anniversary of independence on July 10, and the country is continuing its Golden Jubilee celebration with a host of activities around the 700-island archipelago including a major event in Nassau to hoist the Bahamian flag.  […]


The Caribbean Tourism Organization Has a New Secretary General 

caribbean tourism organization

The Barbados-based Caribbean Tourism Organization has its long-awaited new top executive.  Saint Lucia native Dona Regis-Prosper has been appointed as the organization’s new Secretary General and chief executive officer.  Regis-Prosper’s appointment will take effect on Sept. 1, 2023; she will […]


SUBSCRIBE!

Sign up for Caribbean Journal's free newsletter for a daily dose of beaches, hotels, rum and the best Caribbean travel information on the net.


No. Thank You