CARICOM issues a ‘cautionary encouragement’ to Venezuela: PM Rowley

Trinidad and Tobago: Prime Minister Keith Rowley took some vital measures for the growth of CARICOM community.

Prime Minister Keith Rowley has petitioned to the form four, five, and six students returning to the classroom on February 8th, 2021, to adhere to the lethal COVID-19 protocols executed at schools. Dr. Rowley also urged these pupils’ parents and guardians to ensure that they do not assemble when classes have ended.

Dr. Rowley announced this during a Post-Cabinet media announcement held at the Diplomatic Centre today (Thursday, January 28th, 2021).

The Prime Minister said settlements had been made through the Ministry of Health and the Ministry of Education to have additional staffing at schools to assist both teachers and students in being protected against the COVID-19 virus.

Dr. Rowley stated that the rest of the student population would remain at home under the existing protocols.

On the other hand, As Chairman of the Caribbean Community, Prime Minister Rowley said the border dispute between Guyana and Venezuela continues to be observed by CARICOM. 

Dr. Rowley said CARICOM issued a “cautionary encouragement” to Venezuela to uphold the principles of non-aggression and respect for international law and multilateralism.

Dr. Rowley noted that Guyana’s position is of interest to the CARICOM, and officials at all levels have been persuading Venezuela to release the recently captured Guyanese fishing crew and vessels and respect Guyana’s sovereignty.

Dr. Rowley announced that former Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs, Ms. Frances Seignoret, was appointed CARICOM Ambassador.

Commenting on the matter surrounding the 6-6 tie in the 2021 THA elections, Dr. Rowley said he sought legal advice from Senior Counsel to determine the nature of the problem and how it can be rectified. This, as the Tobago House of Assembly Act, is specific to the THA, which “regulates its own business.”

The Prime Minister said he is hopeful that selecting a Presiding Officer is resolved within the THA. Dr. Rowley said, “the Government stands ready to approach the Parliament to fix whatever problem exists with the Tobago Parliament.” As per the Act, he said Chief Secretary the Hon Ancil Dennis and the existing Executive Council remain in office until the matter is resolved.

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