MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA – A workshop that brought together a select group of Caribbean journalists and media practitioners, representing broadcast and print media, came to a close today. The two-day meeting entitled: Regional Workshop on Trade for Journalists/Media Practitioners was convened in Montego Bay, Jamaica, June 30 to July 1, 2003. The Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (RNM) and a regional civil society network – the Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) collaborated in organizing the workshop, which had three objectives: (i) To sensitize regional broadcast and print media on the external trade negotiating theatres and issues of particular importance to the region; (ii) To take stock of the methodology and sources available for the journalist to research in the area of commercial diplomacy; and, (iii) To identify ways in which to build, formalize and sustain relationships between media executives/journalists and entities responsible for commercial diplomacy, such as the RNM. The workshop provided participants with a basic knowledge and understanding of the substantive and research aspects of commercial diplomacy matters to enable them to accurately, effectively and consistently report on the complex issues of external trade. RNM technical specialists played a lead role as resource persons in the workshop. Ambassador Richard Bernal, Director- General of the RNM provided an overview of the international trade environment and, in this context, situating World Trade Organization (WTO), Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA), and Africa Caribbean Pacific-European Union (ACP-EU) Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiations. Mr. Henry Gill, Senior Director, delivered a more in-depth analysis of ACP-EU/EPAs negotiations. Dr. Anthony Gonzales, RNM WTO Representative-designate, reviewed special and differential treatment (S&DT) and the region’s interests in this area. Mr. Ramesh Chaitoo, RNM Services Trade Specialist, presented on the importance of services for the Caribbean in the FTAA and WTO. Mr. Vincent Atkins, RNM Agricultural Trade Professional, presented on the importance of agriculture for the Caribbean in the FTAA and WTO. The role of the Caribbean journalist in globalization was brought into perspective at the opening ceremony for the workshop on June 29. The feature presentation was delivered by Mr. Canute James, Caribbean Correspondent for the Financial Times (UK). The presentation sought to situate the role of regional journalists in reporting on the complex areas of commercial diplomacy. The workshop agenda provided for a review of the CARICOM single market and economy (CSM&E) and the international trade environment. It took stock of issues of importance to the region in the WTO, FTAA and ACP-EU/EPAs. The agenda also incorporated three case studies. The Executive-Director of the Caribbean Poultry Association reviewed how the Caribbean poultry industry is affected by trade liberalization. Presentations were also made by the General Secretary of the Jamaica Confederation of Trade Unions who reviewed the role and interests of Caribbean labour in international trade negotiations. A representative of the Caribbean Association for Feminist Research and Action made a presentation on the importance of gender issues in international trade. Participants were also provided an opportunity to make recommendations on how a mutually beneficial relationship can be built and sustained between media houses in the region and organizations such as the RNM that have a responsibility in external trade. Ms. Kaymar Jordan, News Coordinator, of the Caribbean Media Corporation commented that “the workshop has been extremely informative and a very valuable briefing on external trade issues of importance to the Caribbean”. She added: “not only did it provide participants a unique opportunity to take stock of the issues of currency in trade negotiating theatres, in which the region is involved, but also enabled us to interact with specialists directly involved in negotiations and share perspectives on these matters. I am confidant the workshop has provided participants with critical perspectives on the techniques and information necessary to effectively report on commercial diplomacy issues”. Regional journalists from the print and broadcast media participating in the workshop represented: Antigua & Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Commonwealth of Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts & Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent & the Grenadines, Suriname, and Trinidad & Tobago. For More Information Contact: Nand C. Bardouille Tel: (246) 430-1678 email: nand.bardouille@crnm.org
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