WASHINGTON, USA, Fri. Mar. 21, 2008
Prime Minister Dean Barrow returned to Belize on Friday, March 21, following a working visit to the United States, where he met with United States President George Bush and OAS Secretary General José Miguel Insulza.
“The visit to the White House was in response to an invitation extended by President George W. Bush to Prime Minister Dean Barrow; the Honorable Hubert Ingraham, Prime Minister of the Bahamas [who is also chairman of CARICOM]; and the Honorable David Thompson, Prime Minister of Barbados,” informed a Government of Belize press release, dated March 20.
“The three Prime Ministers held frank and friendly discussions with President Bush on matters related to democracy, security, trade relations, and tourism.”
Trade talks were high in the agenda, as the Caribbean news media has additionally reported that the three Prime Ministers urged President Bush to extend the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI), an agreement that expires in September, under which most Caribbean goods have duty-free access to US markets.
During his overnight visit to the US, P.M. Barrow also met with the President of the Inter-American Development Bank, Luis Alberto Moreno.
“At the Inter-American Development Bank, Belize’s Prime Minister was able to advance discussions on the Belize portfolio at the IDB, including existing and pipeline projects,” said the GOB release. “President Luis Alberto Moreno reiterated the IDB’s commitment as a full partner of Belize in its efforts related to development of key areas, such as the energy sector, tourism and social sector projects.”
The release also said that the bank responded positively to Barrow’s suggestion for IDB funding for a new financial development institution in Belize, to focus on education loans, and small and micro enterprise development.
P.M. Barrow thanked the OAS for its invaluable role in the Belize/Guatemala process, and Secretary-General Insulza expressed the OAS’s continued full support to governance, democracy and security initiatives in Belize.
Prime Minister Barrow also extended an invitation for an official visit to Belize by Secretary General Insulza, and he agreed to do so later this year.
“The Secretary General congratulated Prime Minister Barrow on his election to office in early February, and told him how much the OAS values the contribution and commitment of Belize to advancing the hemispheric agenda,” said an OAS press release dated March 20.
It adds that, “Barrow reviewed a range of hemispheric and international issues, as well as programs and projects being undertaken in Belize by the hemispheric organization. Notable among OAS programs in Belize, reference was made to those concerned with the social agenda, tourism, trade, and strengthening of governance and democratic institutions.
“Prime Minister Barrow made particular mention of his country’s appreciation of the engagement by the OAS in helping find a way forward, towards the resolution of the Belize-Guatemala territorial conflict.”
Barrow and Insulza also discussed economic development issues in Belize, with the Prime Minister noting recent oil finds that will help his country address the energy challenges.
“Barrow underscored at the same time the care being taken to ensure that in exploiting even the small deposits of oil that have been found, the environment is safeguarded,” the release elaborates.
Ambassador Nestor Mendez accompanied the Prime Minister to all the meetings with the US, OAS and IDB officials.