[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 97 (Friday, June 15, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1302]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




     RECOGNIZING AND WELCOMING THE DELEGATION OF PRESIDENTS, PRIME 
 MINISTERS, AND FOREIGN MINISTERS FROM THE CARIBBEAN TO WASHINGTON, DC

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                         HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Monday, June 11, 2007

  Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome an 
impressive delegation of Presidents, Prime Ministers, and Foreign 
Ministers from the Caribbean to Washington, DC for the first 
``Conference on the Caribbean'' through the coordination of the 
Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the State Department, and Congress.
  This multifaceted and dynamic region is strikingly promising, 
offering an array of opportunities. CARICOM is committed to enhancing 
economic integration through a common market and common trade policies. 
Members of this organization are also committed to increasing their 
functional cooperation by pooling resources and services in the area of 
human and social development, as well as coordinating foreign policy 
objectives that make a concerted stride for regional advancement.
  The fact that this meeting is taking place in our Nation's capitol is 
indeed something that I applaud. However, I would be remiss if I did 
not emphasize the concentrated costs associated with developing an 
institutional framework needed to secure deeper regional integration. 
Therefore, it is essential that the international community invests in 
the socioeconomic infrastructure of this lucrative region in order to 
increase competitiveness and development. Aggressively pursuing 
partnerships and seizing opportunities to open markets are instrumental 
in securing a progressive future for this often ignored region.
  This fortified partnership is much needed to address plaguing social 
dilemmas that warrant international attention. As HIV/AIDS, crime, and 
poverty ripple through the Caribbean region, we must be compelled to 
advocate for this region's growing plights. The increasing West Indian 
influence in the U.S. legitimizes the need for continued U.S.-Caribbean 
relations. According to 2000 census data an estimated 1.9 million of 
the total U.S. population comes from a West Indian background.
  I am proud to represent Florida's 23rd district where approximately 
115,000, or 18 percent of the entire district, has a Caribbean 
heritage. The growing presence of West Indians in South Florida, New 
York, and Washington, DC, has contributed to enhancing multicultural 
communities that are committed to economic development and social 
advancement.
  I applaud this important step, and look forward to working with 
CARICOM to improve the overall relations between the U.S. Congress and 
our Caribbean allies.

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