Cuba to host Caribbean states summit

By Neysi Hernandez

HAVANA (AA) - Top representatives from the 25-member will converge on Cuba beginning Thursday for the group’s seventh annual summit.

The meetings with heads of state and foreign ministers will focus on natural disasters, environmental protection, tourism and a special emphasis on climate change in the Caribbean.

A plan of action to revitalize the development of trade and investment is expected to be adopted.

Although not included on the official agenda, the emigration of Cubans through Central America attempting to reach the U.S. and the effects of that crisis on Costa Rica, Panama and other neighboring countries are also expected to be discussed in some capacity.

Cubans who reach the U.S. are granted special status.

Many Cubans fear the election of a new American president in November will cause a change to the policy.

The ACS was established in 1994 to advance the individual and collective objectives of its member states through economic and commercial development.

Among the high level representatives scheduled to attend are Netherlands Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Costa Rican President Luis Guillermo Solis and Colombia President Juan Manuel Santos.

Meetings are scheduled to run June 2-4 in Havana.