The Twenty-Fifth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community was held in Grand Anse, Grenada from 4 to 7 July 2004. Dr. the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada and Chairman of CARICOM presided over the Meeting of the Conference, the work programme of which sought to advance the process of regional integration.
Other Heads of Government of Member States in attendance were: The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Hon. Baldwin Spencer; the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the Rt. Hon. Perry G. Christie; the Prime Minister of Barbados, the Rt. Hon. Owen Arthur; the Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. Said Musa; the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit; the President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana, His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo; the Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Hon. P.J. Patterson; the Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis; Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas; the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Dr. the Hon. Kenny Anthony; the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves; the President of Suriname, His Excellency Dr. Runaldo R. Venetiaan and Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Hon. Patrick Manning.
Heads of Associate Members in attendance were: Hon. Walter Scott, Premier of Bermuda; Hon. D. Orlando Smith, Chief Minister of the British Virgin Islands; and Hon. Michael Misick, Chief Minister of the Turks and Caicos Islands.
CARICOM Day Opening Ceremony
In an opening ceremony held on CARICOM Day, Sunday, 4 July, the tone for the Twenty-Fifth Meeting was set with statements by His Excellency Edwin Carrington, Secretary-General; Hon. Baldwin Spencer, Outgoing Chairman; Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, one of the most recent Heads of Government; the Most Hon. P.J. Patterson, whose tenure as Chairman was extended because of pending elections in Antigua and Barbuda; and Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell, Chairman of CARICOM.
In his opening remarks the Secretary-General extended a special welcome to the Prime Ministers of Dominica and Antigua and Barbuda, who were attending their first Meeting of the Conference. He underscored the historical significance of the venue and the timing of the Meeting against the background of the landmark decisions taken by Heads of Government at Grand Anse in 1989 – including those to establish the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Those decisions, he said, continued to drive the integration agenda today.
The Secretary-General thanked the Government and people of Grenada for their renowned warm hospitality and for the excellent arrangements provided for the deliberations.
He expressed the view that many of the difficulties facing the Region, such as HIV/AIDS, the threat from international criminal networks and the problem of regional air transport, could only be solved through more, not less, regional integration. He pointed to the European Union, which had recently adopted a European Constitution and named a new Commission President, Prime Minister Jose Durao Barroso of Portugal, whom he congratulated on behalf of CARICOM. Mr. Carrington referred to the European example as bringing into sharp focus the need for CARICOM to move quickly, in the spirit of the previous progress at Grand Anse, to advance its own agenda for development. This he said called not only for the settling of key outstanding issues, but also for the implementation of a number of decisions already taken including the inauguration of the Caribbean Court of Justice and the introduction of the Caribbean Community Passport.
Making his first address to a Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government, Prime Minister Spencer thanked Prime Minister P.J. Patterson and the CARICOM Secretary-General in particular, for their support during his tenure as Chairman. He recalled his recent visit to the CARICOM Headquarters in Georgetown and pointed to the severe challenges facing the staff in the execution of the work of the Community.
He urged that greater attention should be placed by the Region on tourism, the sector that drives most Caribbean economies.
In his statement to the Opening Ceremony, Prime Minister Patterson reminded that relationships within CARICOM must be based on commitment, shared values and mutual trust, all of which he said were essential in order to build an integration movement which could command the full respect of the people of the Region as well as those who cherished freedom everywhere. He also noted that the Charter of Civil Society set out benchmarks for political conduct and he proposed that the Charter should be elevated beyond an exhortatory framework for the Community’s observance, into a binding document that was legally enforceable and which imposed meaningful sanctions for any breach.
In relation to Haiti, Prime Minister Patterson said that the establishment of the CARICOM Task Force and the work already being carried out by its Chief Coordinator reflected the Community’s commitment to Haiti. He expressed the view that such work had become more urgent in the wake of the suffering, death, devastation and destruction wrought upon sections of Haiti by recent floods. He expressed gratitude to other Heads of Government in CARICOM for their unwavering support in ensuring that the Community did not flinch in asserting its commitment to upholding the democratic and constitutional process of regime change. Prime Minister Patterson also expressed deep appreciation for the solidarity on the issue from the African Union and other countries within the hemisphere.
Prime Minister Skerrit thanked his colleagues in CARICIOM for helping to create the enabling environment for the improvement in the economic fortunes of his country. Dominica, he said, was particularly grateful to the CARICOM Secretariat, the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, the Caribbean Development Bank and the Secretariat of the Organisation for Eastern Caribbean States. He indicated that he was raising the issue to highlight the importance that his country attached to its association with and involvement in the activities of the regional integration movement. He remarked that the month of September will be devoted in Parliament to legislation on Community issues.
Prime Minister Skerrit expressed the hope that the Twenty-Fifth Meeting would devote some time to review and evaluate the public education and outreach efforts of CARICOM with a view to enhancing the perception of the role the regional body plays in the social and economic development of the Caribbean. He expressed alarm and disappointment at the level of cynicism and distrust among some of the Region’s academics and intellectuals relative to the activities of CARICOM.
The Chairman of the Community, Prime Minister Mitchell welcomed Heads of Government, delegates and friends of CARICOM to Grenada.
In underscoring the imperative for modernising the Community with the CSME as one of its main pillars, Prime Minister Mitchell called for a recommitment on the part of all to the establishment of the Common Fisheries Policy. He said that the sustainability of Caribbean marine resources was important, not only with respect to fisheries, but also in relation to energy supplies for the Region. He also called for the capacity of the Caribbean Renewable Energy Development Project to be strengthened.
Commenting on the impending World Cup Cricket 2007, the CARICOM Chairman said it would provide a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the Region to shine before the entire world. He called for collaboration to overcome the challenges including transportation, immigration and customs services, accommodation, security and information sharing, health care and emergency services as well as financing.
Prime Minister Mitchell, who has lead responsibility for Science and Technology within the Community, launched Radio CARICOM and the Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network (CKLN). He stated that the launch of the radio service starting in Barbados, Belize, Saint Lucia and Grenada would ensure that Caribbean nationals were kept more abreast of developments within the Community, while the CKLN would provide unprecedented learning opportunities through distance learning.
Progress Report on CARICOM ICT/Connectivity Agenda
In keeping with the acceptance by Heads of Government that Information and Communications Technology (ICT) can go long way in achieving human development objectives, the Conference noted the progress made to date, to implement the CARICOM ICT/Connectivity Agenda, which was adopted at the Twenty-Fourth Meeting in Montego Bay, Jamaica, in July 2003.
With respect to the launch of Radio CARICOM, Heads of Government expressed appreciation to participating Governments and private media organisations and encouraged other Members States to take the necessary actions to enable their participation in the Radio CARICOM Service at the earliest possible opportunity. The launch of these two initiatives within one year of adoption was commended by the Conference.
Contribution of Regional Stalwarts
Heads of Government received the sad news of the passing of the Most Honourable Hugh Lawson Shearer ON, OJ, PC Prime Minister of Jamaica from 1967-1972. They also noted the passing of Sir George F.L. Charles, the first Chief Minister of Saint Lucia.
Heads of Government recalled the significant contribution, which these men had made to national political development in Jamaica and Saint Lucia respectively, as well as to the development of the trade union movement in their countries and the Region. Heads of Government observed one minute’s silence as a mark of respect for these two Caribbean stalwarts, and expressed deep condolences to their bereaved families.
Exchange of Views to Advance Community Issues
As part of advancing progress on issues affecting the Community, the Conference engaged in an exchange of views with: Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, His Excellency Don McKinnon; Secretary-General of the Organization of American States (OAS), His Excellency Cesar Gaviria; President of the 58th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) and Minister of External Affairs, International Trade and Civil Aviation of Saint Lucia, Senator the Hon. Julian R. Hunte; Secretary-General of the International Meeting on the Ten-year Review of the Barbados Programme of Action (BPoA) for the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), under the auspices of the United Nations and Special Envoy of the UN Secretary General, His Excellency Anwarul K. Chowdhury; Outgoing Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, Professor, the Hon. Rex Nettleford, O.M.; and the University’s Incoming Vice-Chancellor, Professor E. Nigel Harris.
Heads of Government expressed their appreciation for the continuing work of all these organisations in a number of areas of importance to the Region. With regard to the Commonwealth and the Organization of American States, the Conference pointed to the support received by the Region, especially on the issue of Small States and their constraints in the area of trade policy development. The Conference bade farewell to the Secretary-General of the OAS who will be demitting office in August 2004. They thanked him for his attention to the Caribbean over the past ten years and noted his concern that still more could be achieved for the Region through the strengthening of relations between the OAS and CARICOM.
The Conference received a report from the President of the UNGA outlining some of the major accomplishments of his Presidency. Heads of Government expressed the Region’s pride in his accomplishments during his tenure and the heightened profile of the Region as a result of his stewardship.
Heads of Government received Ambassador Chowdhury, who conveyed a message from the United Nations Secretary-General and gave an update on the International Meeting to be held in Mauritius in January 2005, to review the implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action for the Sustainable Development of SIDS, some ten years after it was adopted in Barbados.
The Conference agreed, among other things, on the critical importance to the Region of the International Meeting and on the need for high-level participation. They also agreed on the need for the International Meeting to accept action-oriented proposals to deal with a range of challenges to the sustainability of Small Island and Low Lying Coastal States and for a sufficiency of resources, especially from the developed nations, to ensure their implementation.
Heads of Government expressed their appreciation to Professor Rex Nettleford for his excellent record of service to the Region spanning almost 50 years and for his distinguished leadership and contribution as Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies since 1998. They were united in the view that in light of his commitment and abilities, Professor Nettleford would continue to be of service to the Region in other spheres after he demits office in September 2004.
Heads of Government also welcomed Professor Harris. They noted that as a distinguished son of the Caribbean and a graduate of the University of the West Indies, the Region had followed, with pride, his rise to prominence as Dean and Senior Vice President for Academic Affairs at Morehouse School of Medicine, Atlanta. In his statement to the Conference, Professor Harris stressed that new approaches to tertiary and continuing education were required as well as more effective research and technological innovation relevant to Caribbean growth and development.
The Conference reiterated its commitment to the University of the West Indies noting that the Regional University represented the best example of collaboration between the Governments and peoples of CARICOM.
Consultations with Social Partners
Heads of Government held consultations with representatives of the social partners in business, labour and non-governmental organisations with a view to further enhancing partnerships which they maintained are vital for the proper functioning of societies and the further integration of the Region.
The discussions with representatives of the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC), the Caribbean Hotel Association (CHA), the Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL) and the Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) underscored the need to accelerate the implementation of measures to create the CARICOM Single Market and Economy; for effective public education programmes on the CSME; for the sharing of information on issues such as labour market analyses; and for enhanced partnerships between Governments and the Social Partners. Given the significant contribution of the Tourism Sector to the economies of the Region, it was agreed that particular focus will be given to the identification of specific interventions to be undertaken in this Sector.
Cricket World Cup 2007 in the Caribbean
Heads of Government received the International Cricket Council’s announcement of the award of the eight venues for CWC 2007: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago, with Bermuda as the first alternative. The allocation of matches among the 8 venues is to be announced at the joint ICC-CWC 2007 meeting in Jamaica on 13 July 2004.
They welcomed the news of the venue selection and emphasized the regional benefit that would accrue from hosting this prestigious event. They committed themselves to working together to make World Cup Cricket 2007 a success.
Status reports on sunset legislation, accommodation and transportation, security and health and emergency services were presented to the Conference. These reports provided Heads of Government with an opportunity to discuss and take decisions regarding the recommendations of the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Cricket and for implementing the various strategies contained in the host venue agreements signed by respective Governments.
Congratulations to the West Indies Cricket Team
The Conference conveyed its congratulations to the West Indies Cricket Team on its resounding victory in the semi-final of the NatWest limited-overs one-day international cricket tournament in England.
Towards a New, More Vibrant CARIFESTA
The repositioning of CARIFESTA as a world-renowned hallmark festival of the Caribbean cultural and artistic excellence will be given priority over the next six years. This decision was taken in the context of the need to ensure that the festival is responsive to the current economic and cultural realities of the Region, generates economic benefits, unites the Region and excites the people.
Among the initiatives to be undertaken at the national and regional levels are: the appointment of Directors of CARIFESTA in host countries and the establishment of a CARIFESTA Secretariat. The Conference agreed that CARIFESTA IX will be held in 2006.
Advancing the Implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME)
CARICOM Heads of Government had before them for determination, the need for focused strategizing to ensure that the establishment of the Single Market is on track for the 2005 deadline. Key issues considered included the removal of restrictions on the right of establishment, the provision of services and the movement of capital; the Work Programme of the CSME and its financing; and a CARICOM Passport.
The Conference agreed to reconvene in Special Session on the CSME in early November 2004. This Special Meeting is to be preceded by preparatory meetings at the stakeholder, officials and Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee levels.
Finalisation of Arrangements for the Inauguration of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)
Heads of Government considered and accepted the report by the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Lead Head of Government with responsibility for Justice and Governance, on issues relating to the Inauguration of the Caribbean Court of Justice. Heads of Government unanimously endorsed the recommendation of the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission for the appointment of Mr. Justice Michael De la Bastide of Trinidad and Tobago as the First President of the Court.
Bananas
Heads of Government received a detailed report from Prime Minister Gonsalves, Lead Head of Government for Bananas, on the increasing threat to the banana industry arising from the EU’s initiative to advance the Tariff-Only Regime and the competition among supermarkets in the United Kingdom.
They reiterated the fundamental importance of the banana industry to the social and economic stability of the producing countries in the Region and the necessity to take measures to safeguard its sustainability. They recognized the importance of increasing the competitiveness of the industry. Heads of Government endorsed the strategy recommended by the International Conference on Bananas, which was held in St. Vincent and the Grenadines in June 2004 to secure the continuation of an adequately preferential regime in the European Union so as to allow the continued sale of bananas on a viable and sustained basis. In this regard they supported the establishment of a Technical Task Force to work with the Lead Head of Government to develop and implement a Plan of Action for the Industry.
Sugar
Heads of Government rejected outright the proposals for the reform of the EU Sugar Regime reportedly being considered by the European Commission, which envisage a 37% reduction in the guaranteed price for sugar supplied under the ACP-EU Sugar Protocol. They characterized the proposals as a betrayal of the commitments and guarantees given by the EU at the time of the negotiation of the Protocol in 1975. The proposed reduction, to be implemented in three stages commencing in 2005, would result in an annual catastrophic loss of US$90 million by CARICOM sugar-supplying countries from 2008. Heads of Government noted that the projected loss outstrips by more than 150% the aid that the EU has committed to regional programmes for the current five-year cycle.
They further noted that the proposals also apply to sugar supplied under the Special Preferential Sugar (SPS) arrangement and would further diminish its value which is being eroded each year. They emphasized that the Caribbean sugar exporting countries along with other ACP countries in the Sugar Protocol and the SPS arrangement are major stakeholders in the EU Sugar Regime but have been left out of any serious consideration in the European Commission’s proposals.
Heads of Government regarded the proposals for price reduction as an act of bad faith on the part of the European Commission, which has encouraged the efforts to restructure the Region’s sugar industries in order to achieve international competitiveness. They condemned the disregard shown for the provisions of Article 36(4) of the Cotonou Agreement, which commit the EU to safeguard the benefits derived from the Sugar Protocol in the review to be undertaken in the context of the new trading arrangements currently being negotiated with the ACP countries. Heads of Government noted that while under the proposals EU sugar producers would be compensated for sixty percent of the price reduction, ACP producers would receive no such support. They emphasized that the assistance proposed for ACP producers through the European Development Fund was totally inadequate as this would only be a short-term measure.
Heads of Government affirmed that the Commission’s proposals call into question the seriousness of the EU’s commitment to the recently launched negotiations for an Economic Partnership Agreement between the EU and the Caribbean. They called on the European Commission to withdraw the proposals and to ensure that the interests of the ACP sugar supplying countries are taken fully into account in the reform of the Sugar Regime.
Review and Update of the Situation in Haiti
Heads of Government continued their consideration of the human, political, social and economic situation in Haiti following the departure of President Aristide on 29 February 2004. Central to their consideration was the undertaking to do what is in the best interests of the Haitian people, and mindful that Haiti remains a member of CARICOM, the Heads of Government decided to create a channel for engagement with the Interim Administration of Haiti. To this end they decided to dispatch a five-member CARICOM Ministerial Team to Haiti to discuss recent developments with the Haitian officials.
They also agreed to appoint Mr. Charles Maynard, a national of Dominica, as their Special Envoy on Haiti.
Improving Institutional Arrangements in CARICOM
Heads of Government agreed that an early meeting of the Assembly of Caribbean Community Parliamentarians (ACCP), which includes representatives of both Government and Opposition, should be convened to discuss the proposals on Governance of the Community from the three Technical Committees and the Think Tank.
These proposals addressed: the Establishment of a CARICOM Commission or other Executive Mechanism; Strengthening the role of the Assembly of Caribbean Community Parliamentarians (ACCP); and the Adoption of Automatic Transfers of Financing of Community Institutions. These proposals are available on the CARICOM website (http://www.caricom.org).
The Report of the Think Tank emanated from discussions in February 2004 comprising a cross section of resource persons who examined the above-mentioned Reports particularly in light of the Rosehall Declaration issued at the Twenty-Fourth Meeting of the Conference in July 2003.
The Conference agreed that the recommendations from the ACCP should be submitted to the Prime Ministerial Sub Committee on Governance for its review and for recommendations to Heads of Government
Restructuring of the CARICOM Secretariat
Heads of Government considered the recommendations of a report on the restructuring of the CARICOM Secretariat, which were discussed at a Special Meeting of the Community Council on 3 July 2004. The Council had agreed that a modernized Secretariat is necessary for its more effective functioning, particularly as regards the implementation of decisions.
Heads of Government noted the recommendations from the Community Council and while agreeing that the immediate steps approved by the Community Council should be pursued, recommended that the overall restructuring proposals should also be reviewed within the context of the proposals for Governance of the Community.
Report by Lead Heads of Government of the Quasi-Cabinet
Comprehensive reports were presented by Leads Heads of Government on areas of responsibility within the CARICOM Quasi-Cabinet, an important part of the Community’s governance structures. Reports were presented on Health and Human Resource Development, Services, Sustainable Development, Agriculture, Agricultural Diversification and Food Security, External Negotiations, Single Market & Economy, Science and Technology, Tourism, Integration, Security, Transport, Labour, Community Development and Cultural Cooperation, Justice and Governance, Bananas Sustainable Development
Heads of Government expressed appreciation for the able representation of the Community by the Prime Minister of Belize, Lead Head Government with responsibility for Sustainable Development, in preparation for the International Meeting to review the Barbados Programme of Action on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States (SIDS). The Conference agreed that CARICOM will continue to play a lead role in the SIDS process and in the International Meeting to be held in January 2005 in Mauritius.
Agriculture, Agricultural Diversification and Food Security/ Strengthening Regional Agriculture for Sustainable Growth and Development
A framework for the repositioning of Caribbean agriculture within the context of CARICOM Regional Transformation Programme (RTP) for Agriculture was presented to the Conference by the President of Guyana. The report highlighted the importance of this sector in the context of the CSME. The Conference reiterated the importance of a dynamic and competitive agricultural sector to the overall development and, moreso, the sustainable development of the rural areas of most CARICOM States. Heads of Government also endorsed several recommendations for a Common Agriculture Strategy and Programme. The Conference also urged Member States to cooperate fully in the process to ensure the timely completion of a plan, which responds directly to their needs.
External Negotiations
Heads of Government reviewed the Region’s involvement in various theatres of external trade negotiations and recognized that the agenda has become increasingly demanding, notwithstanding the hiatus in the FTAA process.
They noted that the Region is actively involved in efforts to move the WTO talks forward and endorsed the initiative taken by the Region’s Ministerial spokesperson on WTO matters to forge a consensus among the group of developing countries known as the G90.
Heads of Government welcomed the launch in April of the Caribbean’s negotiations with the European Union for an Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA). They recognized that this heralds a period of intense regional coordination and encounters with the European Union. In this context, they also committed the Region to continued coordination with the wider membership of the ACP group.
Heads of Government noted the advance in the Region’s preparations for an enhanced trade agreement with Canada and expect that bilateral negotiations will commence later this year. In addition, the Region is considering approaches for new bilateral trade agreements with other countries in the hemisphere.
Heads of Government also recognized the urgency of advancing the implementation of the CSME within the agreed timetable in order to derive greater benefit from regional integration and to provide a firmer basis upon which the Region’s negotiating positions in all arenas can be developed.
Security
The Conference approved the four strategic priority areas, which will form the basis of a Security Co-operation Agreement between CARICOM and the Government of the UK. These priorities are: the training of security and law enforcement officers; the establishment of a Regional Information and Intelligence Sharing Network; Maritime Cooperation; and, Border Security. The Ministerial Subcommittee on Resource Mobilisation will continue to work with the Government of the UK in the finalization of the Security Cooperation Agreement.
Heads of Government received a very encouraging Report from Hon. Patrick Manning, as Lead Head for Security that all ports in the Region had reportedly satisfied the initial requirements of the International Ship and Port Security (ISPS) Code by 1 July 2004.
Heads of Government welcomed the Report and complimented all the agencies and individuals responsible for the very favourable performance of the Region. They recognized that the process was dynamic and that most Port facilities still have to implement their port security plans and to provide continuous training for staff. They agreed to cooperate as far as possible to minimize the costs and to ensure that all ports remain compliant.
Candidatures
The Conference expressed its support for the candidature of His Excellency Albert R. Ramdin of Suriname for the position of Assistant Secretary-General of the Organisation of American States (OAS) at elections to be held in June 2005; the re-election of Judge Mohammed Shahabuddeen of Guyana to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia; the renewal of the mandate of Mr. Carl Greenidge of Guyana as Director of the Centre for Technical Assistance (CTA) and the candidature of Saint Lucia for a seat on the Council of the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
The Conference also expressed support for Mr. Jacques Diouf for re-election as Director-General of the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
Belize/Guatemala Relations
Heads of Government took note of a report from Belize in relation to the ongoing process to reach a just, equitable and permanent solution to Guatemala’s territorial claim to Belize.
They expressed grave concern at the fact that the new Guatemalan Government has rejected the proposals of the facilitators regarded by the hemisphere and the international community at large as the best way forward to a final settlement of this age-old territorial claim.
The Heads of Government remain fully supportive of the OAS process and reaffirm their conviction that the September 2002 OAS Proposals are a fair and just solution to the long-standing claim. They urged the Parties to abide by the February 7th 2003 Agreement in which they freely committed themselves to take the Proposals to referenda on the understanding that only if the referenda were not accepted by the people in either country would resort be made to the International Court of Justice.
Heads of Government reaffirmed their total and unwavering support for the sovereignty, security and territorial integrity of Belize and urged both parties to agree to Confidence Building Measures that will maintain peace and enhance cooperative relations between the two countries within the context of their carrying out the agreed processes that will bring an end to the dispute within the shortest possible time.
Guyana/Venezuela Relations
Heads of Government expressed their satisfaction at the existing cordial relations between Guyana and Venezuela. They noted with satisfaction, the commitment by the two countries to accelerate their bilateral cooperation programme under the aegis of the Guyana/Venezuela High Level Bilateral Commission and to continue the dialogue under the auspices of the United Nations Good Offices process aimed at a peaceful settlement of the controversy.
Heads of Government reaffirmed their support for Guyana in the maintenance of its sovereignty and territorial integrity including its right to the unimpeded development of the resources of its entire territory.
Bird Rock
Heads of Government expressed solidarity with Antigua and Barbuda and other OECS countries with regard to their concern over Venezuela’s maritime claims in respect of Bird Rock. They urged the speedy settlement of this matter in accordance with the principles of international law.
They decided that the OECS and CARICOM Secretariats should institutionalize their collaboration on this matter.
Farewell to Mr. Byron Blake, Assistant Secretary-General, Regional Trade and Economic Integration and Mr. Jean Holder, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation
The Conference expressed appreciation to Mr. Byron Blake and Mr. Jean Holder for their contribution and commitment to regional integration and the development of tourism in the Region. They commended each person for more than thirty years’ service to the Region.
Appreciation
Heads of Government expressed gratitude to the Government and People of Grenada for the warm hospitality and excellent arrangements during the Twenty-Fifth Meeting of the Conference They were particularly appreciative of the social and cultural activities and the Retreat on Calivigny Island which contributed in more small measure to the congenial atmosphere in which their discussions were conducted.
Date and Venue
The Conference was pleased to accept the offer from the President of Suriname to host the next Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference on dates to be decided following consultations.
