KINGSTON, Jamaica (CMC) – Members of Jamaica’s private sector are hoping that longstanding issues between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago will be resolved when the leaders of both countries meet this week.

Trinidad and Tobago’s Prime Minister Dr Keith Rowley arrived here on Sunday for a four-day visit at the invitation of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, during which the leaders will discuss matters of mutual interests between the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) member states.

In light of the visit, President of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ), William Mahfood says the importance of Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago to CARICOM demands that the issues be solved for the benefit of the entire regional body.

“I think Prime Minister Rowley, has indicated that he is a true regionalist and once he is made aware of areas where there are these anomalies, if he is serious about addressing them in the right and proper way then we can have a good outcome – as a region, we need to appreciate that we are stronger as a united force, than as individual countries divided.”

During the visit, Rowley and Holness will hold talks towards the resolution of long standing bilateral and regional issues, including the Implementation of the CARICOM Single Market Economy (CSME), and the related Free Movement of Community Nationals and Immigration matters, Trade and Energy Cooperation and Air Transportation.

A statement from the Office of the Prime Minister here, indicated that the two CARICOM leaders will discuss the signing of a Framework Agreement and the establishment of a Joint Commission, which is currently under negotiation, to provide a structured medium for bilateral discussions and cooperation in areas of mutual interest. The prime ministers are also expected to engage on the CARICOM integration process.

The Trinidad and Tobago prime minister is expected to meet with the Chairman of the CARICOM/ CARIFORUM Review Commission, former Jamaican Prime Minister Bruce Golding, pay a Courtesy Call on the Governor General, Sir Patrick Allen and meet with the Leader of the Opposition, Portia Simpson Miller.

Rowley is also scheduled to engage with heads of private sector bodies and entities on trade and business development.

During his visit, he will also address the 22nd Session of the General Assembly of the International Seabed Authority, which is underway at the Jamaica Conference Centre. Trinidad and Tobago played an instrumental role in the development of the Law of the Sea.

Rowley will also meet with the Vice Chancellor and senior executives of the University of the West Indies (UWI), members of the Diaspora, as well as students from Trinidad and Tobago. In addition, he will have a scheduled event with Trinidadian entrepreneurs in Jamaica.