Panama and Costa Rica’s Presidents Talk Drug Fight in Guatemala

By: - March 25th, 2012

Above: The meeting in Antigua (Photo: OP)

By the Caribbean Journal staff

Panama President Ricardo Martinelli and Costa Rica President Laura Chinchilla met in Antigua, Guatemala Saturday to analyze strategies on the fight against drug trafficking in the region.

The two leaders were joined by representatives from Honduras, Belize, El Salvador and Nicaragua at the meeting, which was hosted by Guatemalan President Otto Perez Molina.

A major point of discussion was Molina’s recent proposal to decriminalize drugs in a bit to reduce drug-related crime.

In a speech, Martinelli said Molina’s proposal was one that had opened a large debate that deserved discussion and analysis.

He also said it was important the Central America’s countries must discuss strategies to combat drug trafficking, with Panama continuing to invest resources in the fight.

Panama’s delegation included Foreign Minister Roberto Henriquez, Vice Minister of Security Alexander Garuz and Panamanian Ambassador to Guatemala Irving Centeno.

News

Haiti and Dominican Republic Meet for Joint Workshop on Agriculture

By the Caribbean Journal staff A group of 82 technicians from Haiti and the Dominican Republic participated this week in an advanced course on Agricultural Quarantine, part of renewed collaboration efforts between the two countries. The course was sponsored by several international organizations, including the United States Department of Agriculture. Part of the workshop included […]

News

Guyana's Ramotar: CARICOM's Problems Are Not Insurmountable

Above: Guyana President Donald Ramotar By the Caribbean Journal staff CARICOM is not in any state of crisis, despite reports to the contrary, according to Guyanese President Donald Ramotar. While problems exist for CARICOM, they are not insurmountable, he said. “I suggested to my colleague Heads of Government [at their recent meeting in Paramaribo] that […]

News

Haiti Launches Plan to Reduce Seismic Risk in Northern Portion of Country

Above: Workers clear rubble in the aftermath of the earthquake in 2010 (UN Photo/Marco Dormino) By the Caribbean Journal staff Haiti has launched a project to reduce seismic risk in the northern portion of the country. Haitian Interior Minister Thierry Mayard-Paul and UNDP Chief Helen Clark hosted a ceremony to officially launch the programme Friday […]

United States Virgin Islands Sees Increase in Exports: Report

Above: USVI Governor John de Jongh at a strategy session of Cabinet this week (Photo: OG) The United States Virgin Islands saw a 21 percent increase in exports from 2010 to 2011, according to data reported by the International Trade Administration. That was larger than the 16 percent increase seen by the United States as […]

A "Huge Difference" in Haiti, United Nations Development Chief Says

Above: Haitian President Michel Martelly with UNDP Chief Helen Clark (UN Photo) By the Caribbean Journal staff Haiti has made progress in rebuilding the country following the January 2010 earthquake, according to United Nations Development Chief Helen Clark. Clark was speaking this week during her second visit to Haiti since the earthquake. “I saw a […]

Bahamas and Austria Strengthen Ties

 Above: USVI Governor John de Jongh at a strategy session of Cabinet this week (Photo: OG) The United States Virgin Islands saw a 21 percent increase in exports from 2010 to 2011, according to data reported by the International Trade Administration. That was larger than the 16 percent increase seen by the United States as […]

Haiti's Martelly Heading to Dominican Republic Next Week for Official Visit

 Above: Martelly with UNDP officials during a visit this week (Photo: OP) By the Caribbean Journal staff Haitian President Michel Martelly will meet with Dominican Republic President Leonel Fernandez on Monday a part of an official visit to the country, the National Palace announced Friday. Martelly will be joined by a Haitian delegation including Prime […]