Chairman of the Inter-Ministerial Committee, Mariano Browne, says “everything is on track for a good summit.” Browne, who is also Trade and Industry Minister, was accompanied by national co-ordinator and ambassador, Luis Alberto Rodriguez. Both men were touring the Summit Village, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel, Wrightson Road, Port-of-Spain, where preparations are in high gear for the Fifth Summit of the Americas, from April 17 to 19.

Theme of the Summit is “Securing Our Citizens Future by Promoting Human Prosperity, Energy Security and Environmental Sustainability.” US President Barack Obama and his wife Michelle are among the Summit's illustrious participants. In his brief address, Browne said: “Everything is on track for a good Summit. The people and the organisations will shine.” Browne also referred to the “buzz of excitement,” surrounding Summit preparations.

Borrowing a line from the poet John Keats, who had penned Endymion, Browne described the Summit Village as “a thing of beauty in the city.” He spoke about the beautification works as an extension of the Brian Lara Promenade in the capital city. Browne had said on Sunday that no stone must be left unturned, as stakeholders were working diligently to “get it right.” He had also said trade talks with Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper would take precedence. “Trade is an important item,” he had said.

Yesterday, he said the Summit was focused on “moving T&T forward,” and that health and security were among the issues on the front burner. Rodriguez gave kudos to the cultural aspects of the Summit. He also thanked all the people who had made it possible. After the brief address, both men continued visiting the booths. The 18 booths showcasing items like chocolates, artwork and fabric were catering to more visitors. They were better designed and laid out, compared to setting up operations on Sunday. Later on, Browne and Rodriguez were joined by communications co-ordinator, Felipe Noguera, and Brian Manning, son of Prime Minister Patrick Manning. The younger Manning said: “It's gorgeous; it is beautiful.”