Harris reaffirms CARICOM's commitment to bring peaceful resolution to Venezuela crisis

Chairman of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris worked the phones On Tuesday, staying apprised of the situation in Venezuela, which appears to be nearing a boiling point amid ramped up efforts by the opposition to unseat President Nicolás Maduro.

CARICOM's Chairman spent much of the day in consultation with other Caribbean leaders and also kept in close contact with Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque. The Secretary-General has been updating the Chairman on the emerging developments in Venezuela.

"I appeal for calm and peace," Chairman Harris said this afternoon, while reiterating his pledge that CARICOM will continue to make every effort to help bring a peaceful resolution to Venezuela's political crisis.

"My colleague Heads of Government and I are collectively charged with ensuring the continued security and stability of our beloved Caribbean region," Prime Minister Harris added, noting that, "This responsibility is our first and foremost priority as we work in unison to safeguard our people's future."

The Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis continued, "CARICOM has been working earnestly to promote meaningful dialogue and diplomacy, as well as a four-phased process called the Montevideo Mechanism whose aim is an inclusive and lasting solution. Such a considered approach can only redound to the benefit of the country and people of Venezuela and, by extension, the countries and citizens of Latin America and the Caribbean."

In his capacity as Chairman of CARICOM, Prime Minister Harris has attended several meetings on Venezuela's political crisis. These meetings have taken him to Guyana, the United Nations, Uruguay and Ecuador.

The Chairman of CARICOM is scheduled to engage in follow-up high-level talks with the International Contact Group (ICG) on Venezuela in Costa Rica next week.