Cruise ship summits for the public
Have you ever set foot on a luxurious cruise ship?
Well, here’s your chance if you are between the ages of 18 and 27, a businessman or a member of a community organisation.
The Fifth Summit of the Americas organisers will be holding various fora aboard two cruise ships berthed at the Port of Spain docks, ahead of the Summit .
From April 14-16, there will be a Civil Society Forum aboard the Carnival Victory cruise ship in which members of Non Government Organisations (NGOs), Community Based Organisations (CBOs) can participate.
The forum seeks to “highlight the importance of social dialogue for dealing with current global issues” and “facilitate action across the hemisphere by creating greater connection with citizens through collaboration and networking among civil groups”.
The forum will also seek “to encourage leaders to take decisions that will impact individual interests and offer real benefits to citizens”.
The “II Hemispheric Private Sector Forum” for business people seeks “to share information on the impact of the economic and financial crisis”; to “strengthen business networks” and to “identify business opportunities”.
This forum, which will be held aboard the Caribbean Princess cruise ship from April 15 to 16, will also give the private sector the chance to influence heads of government attending the summit.
The Youth Forum will be held on the same days on the same cruise ship and will attempt to “strengthen bonds between young people across the Americas” and “to create opportunities in the areas of information communication technology, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship”.
The forum will also “allow youth to present their ideas and recommendations to heads of state and government.”
Persons and groups wishing to participate in all three meetings have until March 31 to register.
The Fifth Summit which will be attended by heads of state and government in some 34 countries across the Western Hemisphere will take place from April 17-19.
The cruise ships have been contracted by the Government and will serve as floating hotels for the anticipated 6,000-plus visitors, including members of the media and business people.