BAUGH

MINISTER OF Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Dr Ken Baugh, yesterday announced the introduction of a Caribbean Community (CARICOM) passport for Jamaicans by December 2008.

Baugh, who is also the deputy prime minister, said the Government wanted to deepen economic ties with Latin America and Cuba.

He said Jamaica would carry out a policy of fully fledged engagement with Cuba.

The minister also issued an indirect call for the United States (US) to lift its embargo against the communist state, noting that this decision would benefit the entire region.

US ties still strong

Baugh rejected suggestions of a breakdown in Jamaica's relationship with the US.

"I can assure the House and Jamaica that the relationship between this government (the US) and the current administration remains close."

Jamaica will, in the next three years, open new missions in Spain, Brazil, India, Russia, Haiti and a country in the Persian Gulf.

Baugh said, as part of a strategic move to forge closer ties with Latin America, the Government had offered to represent CARICOM in the association of Latin American countries - The RIO Group - for the next three years.

Visit for Bolivar centre

He said his CARICOM counter-parts have welcomed the decision, and heads of Government across the region would be advised at a conference early next month.

The deputy prime minister disclosed that Venezuelan president Hugo Chávez, would be coming to Jamaica to the groundbreaking ceremony for the establishment of the Simon Bolivar Cultural Centre.

Turning to the latest development in Zimbabwe, Baugh called for a speedy resolution to the political crisis there.

He urged President Robert Mugabe and his administration to respect the legitimate will of the people.

Leader of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC), Morgan Tsvangirai, said in a recent statement that his party would not participatein the June 27 presidential election run-off.

The MDC leader pulled out of the race following increased violence and intimidation of his supporters.