BASSETERRE, ST. KITTS, FEBRUARY 14H 2012 (CUOPM) – Haitians who hold a US or Schengen visa could travel freely to CARICOM member countries under a plan by the President of Haiti, His Excellency Michel Martelly.

That was one of the issues discussed at Monday’s meeting with a CARICOM Bureau of Heads of Government delegation including Past Chairman, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil L. Douglas; Suriname President and Chairman of CARICOM, His Excellency Desi Bouterse and Secretary General of CARICOM, His Excellency Ambassador Irwin LaRocque.

The two sides additionally discussed areas of cooperation including agriculture, health, aviation, security and job creation. The Haitian leader Martelly also announced the update of a protocol signed in the past, including an agriculture agreement aimed at making Haiti an exporter of agricultural products.

Suriname’s Bouterse said CARICOM would do what was necessary to help Haiti, calling it a “very important” member of the Caribbean Community.

Martelly has made clear that his interest in Haitians enjoying the same privileges as other CARICOM member states, and the visa plan could be the first step in that process.

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