Prime Minister Gaston Browne is expected to travel to Trinidad and Tobago for high-level talks with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar to advance negotiations on resolving the long-standing Clico-Baico insurance settlement issue.

Director-General of Communications Maurice Merchant told reporters at Friday’s Cabinet press briefing that both leaders are ready to meet once their schedules align. “There is no fixed date, but Prime Minister Browne and his team are prepared to travel to Trinidad and Tobago when the opportunity arises,” Merchant said.

He added that Antigua and Barbuda maintains strong relations with Trinidad and Tobago and that recent comments by Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar on CARICOM’s position regarding Venezuela would not affect the outcome of the Clico-Bico discussions.

Merchant said Browne remains “confident that Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar will continue the negotiations in good faith and bring the matter to a fair conclusion.”

The talks are part of ongoing efforts to secure compensation for policyholders and resolve legacy financial issues stemming from the collapse of the Colonial Life Insurance Company and its subsidiary, British American Insurance Company.