Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister calls on Secretary-General

Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister Patrick Manning called on Secretary-General Kamalesh Sharma at Marlborough House in London this morning (21 May 2009) to continue their ongoing dialogue with respect to preparations for the upcoming Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) scheduled for Port of Spain, 27–29 November. This follows their meetings in Port of Spain earlier this month.

Both agreed that this CHOGM comes at a critical time for the global community – fuel prices are beginning to rise again, the financial downturn has had a major impact on member states, economic recovery will take the longest in those countries that can afford it least, and the environmental situation is endangering the physical existence of a number of member states.

The people of member countries – especially the youth – are at a critical crossroads where decisions taken now will have a long-term impact on their lives and livelihood.

Heads of Government at CHOGM 2009 will be challenged by the times – yet the Commonwealth is seen by both Mr Manning and Mr Sharma as an extremely resilient association that has time and again proven its ability to rise to and meet new challenges, and of achieving consensus to take the resolution of important issues forward.

Key Links:

• Country Profile: Trinidad & Tobago

Related News:

• CHOGM2009