This country was represented yesterday at a forum in Quito, Ecuador, which was convened to formalize plans for the operation of a Parliamentary Network across Latin America and the Caribbean Union.
The forum which seeks to strengthen relations among member countries, agreed on a manifesto to be presented to the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) leaders when they meet in Quito today.
As part of the forum, the CELAC Parliamentary Group adopted CARICOM’S call for reparations for native genocide and the enslavement of African people in the Caribbean through the Trans Atlantic slave trade.
The presentation was put forward by this country through Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Jomo Thomas, while the final clause on the motion adopted by the parliamentary grouping was drafted and submitted by Senator and Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Carlos James.
Thomas, who is also chair of the local Reparations Committee, acknowledged that CARICOM as a regional bloc had agreed on the call for reparatory justice and urged the CELAC parliamentarians to join the cause in solidarity with CARICOM.
While, Sen. Hon Carlos James in his presentation noted that the government and people of St. Vincent and the Grenadines continue to call for stronger ties with member States of CELAC.
Prime Minister Dr. the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves will be among leaders attending the CELAC Meeting in Ecuador.
