Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke took part in a bipartisan delegation with other members of Congress to Trinidad and Tobago for the 5th Summit of the Americas from April 17 – 18, 2009. Heads of State and their delegations from 34 nations in the Americas met at this weekend’s Summit.

The topics for discussion included the global economy, security and immigration issues. Rep. Clarke was part of a group of Congressional Members invited to accompany the President on the trip. This was President Barack Obama’s first trip to the Caribbean and Mexico since he took the Oath of Office. After the Summit, Rep. Clarke issued the following statement:

“I believe that President Obama’s very presence at this Summit has been widely viewed as a great gesture, leaving a truly positive impression upon the leadership of these nations. The message sent was loud and clear; the United States is willing to not only listen, but to remain open to new ideas. The participation of our nation’s 44th President has been widely viewed to be a progressive action in the eyes of the leaders of these countries. They were appreciative of our efforts to establish stronger relations by utilizing a more inclusive approach.”

“This summit reaffirmed the President’s willingness to create partnerships and to help stimulate prosperity, security and liberty for the people of the Americas. We are off to a good start. It is my hope that this visit will open the doors for greater diplomacy, strengthening our relationship with not only our Latin American neighbors, but with the CARICOM nation states who have been marginalized and who have lingered in the shadows far too long under previous administrations.”

The Summit of the Americas brings together the heads-of-state and governments of the Western Hemisphere to discuss common concerns, seek solutions and develop a shared vision for the future development of the region, be it economic, social or political in nature.

Rep. Clarke represents one of the largest immigrant communities in New York City. Constituents within the 11th Congressional District have migrated from various nations including Haiti, Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica to name a few. Rep. Clarke has recently been appointed as Chairwoman of the Homeland Security Subcommittee on Emerging Threats, Cybersecurity, and Science and Technology for the 111th Congress, in addition to her role as Whip of the Congressional Black Caucus and Senior Whip of the Democratic Caucus. This is her second term in Congress.