October 24, 2007 - A delegation of Consuls General representing the CARICOM member countries in Florida State will meet with the Governor, Charlie Crist tomorrow (Oct. 25) at the State Capitol office in Tallahassee.
The team headed will be headed by Jamaica’s Consul General, Ricardo Allicock, who is also chair of the CARICOM Diplomatic Corp in South Florida. Other Consuls General include, Mr. Edward Bushell of Barbados, Ms. Alma Adams of Bahamas, Mr. Gerard Greene, Trinidad and Tobago, Mr. Ralph Latortue, Haiti and Mr. Ian Sweeney of Antigua.

According to Consul General Allicock, the CARICOM group looks forward to renewing its acquaintance with Governor Crist which was initially established while he was attorney general for the State. “We expect to discuss shared interest in trade, technical cooperation especially in the area of law enforcement, education initiatives and matters of immigration and community development. Within the context of this discussion, we hope to underscore the vital and strategic importance, the Caribbean and its Diaspora have to the State of Florida,” he added.

Discussions will also focus on environmental management with emphasis on cooperation in disaster preparedness and ways to partner in cutting edge approach to coastal management.
It is estimated that nearly one million nationals of Caribbean descent reside in tri-county South Florida – Dade, Broward and Palm Beach counties. The Jamaican population is almost 300,000, the largest number in Broward county.

Caribbean nationals continue to impact positively, the economy of the United States as they hold positions in corporate leadership, public service, academia, and private enterprises such as law, medicine, real estate and the media.

Meanwhile, several Caribbean nationals are holding elected political offices across the United States of America. Among them, seven Jamaican nationals hold elected offices in Florida State.

CONTACT:
Cheryl Wynter (305-374-8384)