Otami Thomasia elected president of new Caribbean Special Commission

The newly established Caribbean Special Commission of Parlatino has officially begun addressing regional challenges, with Aruban parliamentarian Otami S. S. Thomasia elected as its president. During meetings held in Santo Domingo and Curaçao, the commission focused on critical issues including climate change, sargassum seaweed management, food security, and regional integration.

To combat the impact of sargassum on marine ecosystems and tourism, experts proposed capturing the seaweed at sea to transform it into biogas, bioplastics, and biofertilizers. This initiative will require new maritime navigation agreements and legislation to manage seaweed crossing various exclusive economic zones.

Regarding food security, the commission discussed enhancing local production and establishing a framework agreement to facilitate agro-food trade. This includes simplifying procedures, harmonizing phytosanitary certificates, and creating direct channels between producers to reduce freight costs through intelligent trade exchange models.