Mr. incoming Chairman, all hands are on deck and accounted for inclusive of a new quartermaster in the person of Minister Clarke. The vessel is fit for sail. I now turn over the bridge to you. And no captain, the ship is not sinking, but rather, stands in majestic glory ready for any challenge posed by our Caribbean waters.
Colleagues, when we last met I addressed you as incoming Chair of this illustrious Council. I now do so as outgoing Chairman.
During the past few months, the Region edged closer to the realization of a truly one Caribbean civilization as envisioned by the framers of the 1973 Treaty, that of a regional integration movement of over twelve million people, rich in cultural diversity and natural resources and seeking to take our place within the international arena, as a region of peace.
Over the past months, OECS countries have accelerated the pace of implementation of an ambitious agenda under a tight schedule with respect to the discharge of our obligations under the Revised Treaty as they relate to becoming CSM ready. Simultaneously, however, we have also had to grapple with the many challenges being posed within the context of the global economy, the unprecedented escalation in fuel prices, adjustments to changes in European Union sugar, rum and rice protocols; and the threats posed by HIV/AIDS, drug trafficking and the rising crime rate. And, while we welcome the regional economic buoyancy, we continue to confront cement shortages, and challenges posed by a robust construction sector brought on by preparations for Cricket World Cup 2007 in the Caribbean.
The time may now be opportune for us to revisit the important work which was done by the Ramphal Commission in producing the “Time for Action” report. As we attempt to negotiate an Economic Partnership Agreement with the European Union, there is no better time than now to review, update or produce another body of work which encapsulates Caribbean Vision beyond the boundary of 2006 into 2020. The Time For Action is now!
A well articulated Development Dimension in an Economic Partnership Agreement with the EU should be an element of the new Caribbean vision. Antigua and Barbuda supports the notion that there can be no EPA without the Development component playing an integral role.
Ladies and Gentlemen: The Less Developed Countries are eagerly awaiting the finalization of the Regional Development Fund which is to provide resources to respond to difficulties arising from the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market. The establishment, funding and full operationalization of the Fund are critical to the furtherance of the CSM. So too is the establishment of the Regional Development Agency. In this regard, we wait with optimistic anticipation the outcome of the meeting of COFAP next Friday in Jamaica. Our success with the CSM will also depend on our willingness to be flexible and to ensure that there is equity in our treatment with each other.
In closing, I am honored to have been given the opportunity to serve on behalf of Antigua and Barbuda as Chairman of the COTED. In that capacity, it was a distinct privilege for me to have made whatever small contribution to the furtherance of Caribbean integration. I fully enjoyed my brief stint as chairman of this esteemed body and I am pleased to hand over stewardship to my successor, with the greatest of confidence that the Council will be in safe hands.
Finally, I wish to thank the distinguished Secretary General and our faithful staff at the Secretariat for their support during my tenure as Chairman. Your strong commitment to the process of Caribbean integration and the energy that accompanies this commitment has been quintessential to driving the process forward.
To all I say thank you.
