The objective of the Transmission Mechanism is to ensure that information is systematically exchanged between the Caribbean and the United Kingdom on the concerns of either side, including those engaging the attention of the European Union and the wider international community.
2. The Caribbean is to develop a succinct list of issues of concern to the region, preferably on a six month forecast basis, which it would wish the UK to present and/or advocate on its behalf in various international fora. Some of the issues already identified are: EU-ACP negotiations on EPAs, debt relief; OECD issues.
3. The mechanism to be used is as follows:
•The UK Prime Minister will write to CARICOM Heads of Government (copied to Foreign Ministers, Finance Ministers) and the CARICOM Secretariat to inform them of the issues placed on the agenda of international meetings where the Caribbean is not represented which might be of interest to the Caribbean. Among the meetings expected to take place in the near future is the G-8 Summit.
•Caribbean Heads of Government will respond by indicating through the Chairman of CARICOM, with the assistance of the CARICOM Secretariat, the issues which are of regional interest and on which advocacy by the UK is required.
•In addition, CARICOM Heads of Government will draw to the attention of the UK Prime Minister, issues of concern to the Region on the Agenda of Meetings where the Region will be present but where there is a perception that the UK holds a position of influence, e.g. EU-LAC Summit, the World Food Summit+5, the World Summit on Sustainable Development.
•CARICOM High Commissioners in London will maintain their quarterly meetings with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, to enable the views of the Region to be also conveyed. Discussions on forthcoming meetings should be a standing item on the Agenda. At the same time, UK High Commissioners in the Caribbean will also call on the Region's Foreign Ministers to obtain their views on the issues.
•Meetings between UK Missions and CARICOM Groups in Brussels, Geneva, New York and Washington, should be held on a regular basis.
•Arrangements should be made for consultations at those meetings where both sides are present.
•The United Kingdom will indicate to the Region through the Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, as well as to the Caribbean High Commissioners in London, the results of its interventions on these issues at the various international fora.
