Obama to attend the fifth summit of the Americas

Trinidad will be the first Caribbean country to host the Summit of the Americas, which will bring together government officials from the 34 countries that make up the Organization of American States to discuss broad issues of cooperation, energy, security, environmental sustainability and balanced partnerships. The event will be held at the Hyatt Regency Trinidad in Port of Spain from April 17 to 19.

Although the current economic crisis and access to increased credit and lending will be two of the top issues at the fifth Summit of the Americas. However, Caribbean tourism leaders are hoping that issues facing tourism in the region will be on the table as well.

The summit will offer the first opportunity for President Barack Obama “to listen to his colleagues from the Americas, promote his doctrine of partnership and cooperation, and engage in dialogue with the hemisphere leaders,” according to Jeffrey Davidow, the White House summit advisor. The President will be accompanied by his wife, Michelle Obama.

The Summit will certainly stimulate the local economy as the Hotel is sold out and the government may need to lease two cruise ships to house government delegations and media attending the conference. Obama will lead a 1,000-member delegation, which will arrive with a fleet of 25 aircraft, according to the Trinidad Express.

Summit security arrangements are in full swing. Police and soldiers from several nations will provide security for Obama and other leaders. Hundreds of troops from Barbados, Belize, Guyana Suriname and other nations will bolster Trinidad’s security forces. Leaders are expected to sign the Declaration of the Port of Spain, which will outline policy goals in the fields of energy, education, environment and health during the summit.

Although Obama recently eased restrictions on travel to Cuba for relatives and family members, announcements on broader changes on U.S. policies toward Cuba are not expected at the summit, according to the White House. It is not known whether Cuba will attend and if so, who will represent Cuba. Venezuela President Hugo Chavez will attend.

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