Leaders discuss OAS alternative

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Bruce Golding is among leaders from the Caribbean and Latin America who are meeting in Mexico this week to discuss the formation of a regional group that would serve as an alternative to the Organisation of American States (OAS).



Foreign ministers say the new body will not include the United States or Canada.



The talks, convened by the Rio Group, will address proposals for the new body, which is aimed at reducing Washington\'s influence in the region.



The Rio Group was created in 1986 by eight Latin American countries: Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Panama, Peru, Uruguay and Venezuela.



Venezuela\'s President Hugo Chavez has said he is confident the plan will be supported by many countries.