PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC – United States Vice President Joe Biden Tuesday held “frank and cordial” talks with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders and pledged Washington’s assistance on a wide range of issues affecting the socio-economic development of the of the 15-member regional grouping. “I want to thank you all for the important discussions...but more importantly for the frankness and directness we were able to engage in. It was completely open, completely frank and completely straightforward even where we disagreed,” said Bid, who wrapped up a 21-hour visit here as part of a tri-nation tour of South America and the Caribbean. “That’s how friends should treat friends and we need you” he said, adding that he hoped Washington would be able to play a part in the overall development of the region.