Representatives from 21 Caribbean states gathered from 6-10 October 2003 in Trinidad and Tobago for the Caribbean Regional Preparatory meeting for the 2004 International Conference.

Delegates highlighted human security concerns, including drug trade, crime, terrorism, and food and water, as new and emerging issues affecting Caribbean nations. They also discussed the marginalization of small island States in international fora, particularly in the context of globalization and the formation of trading blocs, and called for greater transparency and inclusion of small island States in setting international rules, codes and standards for international trade.
The results of the SIDS regional meetings will form the basis for discussion at the interregional preparatory meeting to be held in Nassau, Bahamas, in January 2003. A preparatory meeting will then convene in New York, New York from 14-16 April 2004; the International Conference on Small Island Developing States will meet in Mauritius in August/September 2004. For more information, visit: http://www.sidsnet.org