Important note: Information in this article was accurate in 2002. The state of the art may have changed since the publication date.
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Associated Press - Wednesday March 27, 2002
Bert Wilkenson, Associated Press Writer
The three-day meeting starting Sunday comes as Caribbean countries ù many former British colonies ù are seeking to redefine their colonial ties.
Some, such as the British Virgin Islands, are considering independence while others in the Caribbean want to rid themselves of the London-based Privy Council, the highest court in former colonies.
Guyana Foreign Minister Rudy Insanally said Wednesday trade and security matters were likely to dominate the agenda given the aftermath of the Sept. 11th attacks in the United States.
The region is also concerned about a recent rise in drug trafficking, small-arms trading and piracy in the Caribbean, Insanally said.
"Small countries like ourselves are hard put to control and manage these things," he said. "This, therefore, will be a very important area for cooperation with the United Kingdom."
Delegations will also come from Suriname, on the northern coast of South America, and Bermuda, in the mid-Atlantic. A Cuban delegation will have observer status at the meeting, Insanally said.
Regional leaders plan to push for more British scholarships for Caribbean students, he said.
Countries in the Caribbean, which has the second highest AIDS infection rate, will seek Britain's help in fighting the HIV -AIDS epidemic, he said.
"For the Caribbean, this is a problem second only to Africa," he said.
Meanwhile, Guyana and the United Kingdom are expected to sign a prisoner-exchange agreement, allowing prisoners to serve terms in their home countries if they commit a felony abroad.
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