Port of Spain (December 10, 2008) – The Association of Caribbean States (ACS) gained important recognition from the 33rd Summit of Heads of State & Government of SICA (Central American Integration System) which took place on 5 December in San Pedro Sula, Honduras. In the Declaration of the 33rd Summit of SICA Presidents, the leaders.

Accept the good offices of the Secretariat of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), so that together with the SICA and CARICOM Secretariats, they could develop the mechanisms necessary to execute the SICA-CARICOM Plan of Action, thereby strengthening the bonds of friendship and co-operation and promoting sustainable development in both regions, taking note of, and approving the Report of the Secretary General of the ACS, as well as his willingness to contribute to greater rapprochement between SICA and Caribbean countries.

ACS Secretary General, Ambassador Luis Fernando Andrade Falla joined with Central American leaders, and representatives of other regional organisations such as the Central American Bank for Economic Integration (BCIE), Central American Parliament (PARLACEN), Central American Court of Justice, and the Interamerican Development Bank (IDB) to discuss the ongoing global economic crisis and regional integration.

In this regard, Ambassador Andrade presented his report to the SICA Council of Ministers of Foreign Affairs on 4 December, which highlighted the advancements made by the ACS in developing the fundamental issues of the work agenda, emanating from the corresponding mandates, which help to strengthen common interests, political consultation, diplomatic coordination and cooperation in the Greater Caribbean region.

According to the ACS Secretary General, “The most relevant themes developed by the ACS within this period include the Caribbean Sea, Risk Reduction in light of recurring natural disasters, sustainable tourism and air transport.”  He further reiterated that “these issues are outlined in the SICA-CARICOM Plan of Action in which the ACS assumes its role, in bringing to fruition the vision of the Heads of State.”

Ambassador Andrade concluded by emphasising the Association’s continued collaboration in supporting the common interests shared by SICA, CARICOM and the countries of the Greater Caribbean.

The SICA, founded in 1991, comprises Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama as its member states, with the Dominican Republic as an associate member.

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