Castries, Jul 5 (Prensa Latina) The 26th Summit of the Caribbean Community´s (CARICOM) chiefs of government, to close Wednesday in Saint Lucia, advocates strengthening the bloc´s regional integration in economic, social, and political fields.


According to CARICOM leaders, progress has been made after the bloc´s member countries agreed to consolidate the integration project known as Caribbean Single Market and Economy.



This economic mechanism, including free flow of professionals, capital and services throughout the area, is expected to begin functioning next January, diplomatic sources indicated.



Regarding this, Dominican Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit recalled the community´s commitment to reinforce a single market, and said it is important "to make daring decisions to push this process forward."



In the meantime, the Caribbean leaders are also analyzing the European Union proposal to reform ways to acquire sugar produced by the Africa-Caribbean-Pacific group, the Haitian crisis, and the increase of regional crime, especially in Jamaica.



The role of the Association of Caribbean States´ summits and increasing relations between Cuba and the Caribbean Community are also included in the three-day meeting´s agenda.