Latest Embassy News

Port of Spain - April 17-19, 2009

Fifth Summit of the Americas

Four countries have hosted the Summit of the Americas before Trinidad and Tobago, including the United States (1994), Chile (1998), Canada (2001) and Argentina (2005). There have also been Special Summits in Mexico (2004) and Bolivia (1996).This is the first Summit to be hosted in the Caribbean.

The Summit brings together the thirty four democratically elected Heads of Government of the Americas to discuss and decide on issues facing the region. In the past, summit themes have focused on democracy, economic integration, social justice, political dialogue and fighting poverty.

The theme of the Fifth Summit of the Americas is “Securing our Citizens Future by Promoting Human Prosperity, Energy Security and Environmental Sustainability".

Latest news about the Summit:

• April 19: Obama Praises Constructive Talks at Summit of the Americas
  
  
• April 6: Davidow on Summit of the Americas  [pdf format; 13 pages]
  
  
• March 26: Ambassador Davidow discusses the Summit (video)
  
  
• March 13: Obama Announces Summit of the Americas Adviser
  
  
• March 12: Economy Seen as Overarching Issue for Americas Summit.  Summit of the Americas to focus on energy, environment and prosperity
  
  
• March 12: A Discussion on the Summit of the Americas.  Thomas A. Shannon, Jr., Assistant Secretary and Jeffrey S. Davidow, White House Advisor for the Summit of the Americas,  Bureau of Western Hemisphere Affairs. For audio, click here
  
  
• March 11: Summit of the Americas Expected to Focus on Economic Crisis. Future U.S.-Cuban relations also will be discussed at April 17–19 summit
  
  
• December 8: Summit of the Americas Highlights U.S. Commitment to Hemisphere.  Offers region’s leaders a “bully pulpit,” coordinator Hector Morales says

  Relevant links:
  
  

• Official site of the Fifth Summit of the Americas
• America.gov: THE AMERICAS | Partnering for peace and prosperity
• OAS Summits of the Americas Information Network
• United States Permanent Mission to the Organization of American States
• The World Factbook: Trinidad and Tobago (population, government, economy, history, etc.)
• Share your thoughts on the Summit with others in the region by joining Co.Nx: See the World on Facebook
• A series of articles on programs/initiatives arising from previous summits that have had concrete benefits for citizens of the Americas. (click here)  [pdf format; 13 pages]

Previous Summits of the Americas: