Incoming Chairman Dr Keith Mitchel wants CARICOM states to adopt a unified position on Venezuela

​Prime Minister of Grenada and incoming Chairman Dr Keith Mitchel, wants CARICOM member states to adopt a unified position on Venezuela. He says what is taking place there cannot be ignored. He spoke in Grenada, where CARICOM Heads gathered for their 38th regular meeting. Over 80 people have died in the current turmoil in Venezuela.
 
Dr. Mitchel said “We must also find the resolve to commit to a unified position on the current political challenge in neighboring Venezuela. We cannot ignore what is taking place in a country in which all of our member states have strong historic ties. And one with which countries like Grenada, Trinidad & Tobago and Guyana share maritime boundaries and borders”.
 
He stated that CARICOM’s international records of standing up “for political order, democracy and respect for human rights, ought to inspire us, colleagues, to arrive at a clear stance on the current crisis in Venezuela. In doing so, we must of course be cognizant of the broad principles of none interference, support for the rule of law and order, constitutionality, and the respect for human rights”.
 
Mitchel said it must be appreciated that there is a duly elected government in Venezuela “and many of the internal struggles are also a manifestation of a struggle for political power. That is understood”.
 
He said however, that CARICOM member states, as proud independent nations, share a history of anti-colonial struggle, and must approach “these issues, rightfully so, with a particular mindset”.