(CARICOM Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) Two Prime Ministerial sub-committees of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) meet in Jamaica 5-6 February, to forge strategic positions on the key issues of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and External Trade Relations.

Jamaica Prime Minister, The Most Hon, Portia Simpson-Miller will host the Joint Meetings at the Ritz Carlton Resort and Golf Club in Montego Bay, Jamaica.

Prime Minister Simpson-Miller chairs the Sub-Committee on External Trade which comprises Barbados, Dominica, Guyana, St. Lucia, and Trinidad and Tobago, while Prime Minister of Barbados, the Rt. Hon. Own Arthur chairs the Sub-Committee on the CSME, comprising Barbados, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Jamaica, St. Lucia and Trinidad & Tobago.

In addition to discussions on the issues arising from the Ministerial meeting, the Prime Ministers are expected to hold discussions on the development vision for the Community, External Trade Policy and Caribbean Development, and governance and Caribbean development.

The meetings on 5-6 February follow the conclusion of the Twentieth Special Meeting of the Council of Trade and Economic Development (COTED), held 2-3 February at the Rose Hall Resorts, Montego Bay, which focussed on trade negotiations, relations with the United States and the European Union, bilateral trading relations, and CARICOM’s relationship with the Dominican Republic.

The meetings are expected to develop clear strategic guidelines and targets for consideration of the Conference of Heads of Government at their Inter-Sessional meeting in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, February 12-14, 2007.