The Eleventh Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, was held in Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis on 13-14 March, 2000
Heads of Government in attendance were: Hon. Lester Bird, Prime Minister, Antigua and Barbuda; Rt. Hon. Owen Arthur, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Barbados; Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham, Prime Minister, The Bahamas; Hon. Roosevelt Douglas, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, National Security, Labour, Legal Affairs, Immigration and Carib Affairs, Dominica; Dr. the Hon Keith Mitchell, Prime Minister and Minister of National Security and Information, Grenada; His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo, President of the Republic of Guyana; Rt. Hon. Percival J. Patterson, Prime Minister, Jamaica; Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Development, Planning and National Security, St. Kitts and Nevis; Dr. the Hon Kenny D. Anthony, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Economic Affairs and Information, Saint Lucia; Rt. Hon. Sir James Mitchell, Prime Minister, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; His Excellency Dr. Jules A. Wijdenbosch, President of the Republic of Suriname; and
Hon Basdeo Panday, Prime Minister, Trinidad and Tobago.
Hon. John Briceno, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Natural Resources, the Environment and Industry represented Belize.
Hon. Brunel Meade, Minister of Agriculture, Housing, Land and the Environment represented Montserrat.
Hon. Ralph O’Neal, Chief Minister, represented the British Virgin Islands.
His Excellency Fritz Longchamp, Minister of Foreign Affairs, represented Haiti.
Heads of Government also welcomed Minister Ricardo Cabrisas of Cuba and the representative of the Government of the Dominican Republic to their Conference as participants in their discussions on various items of interest to those countries.
OPENING CEREMONY
The Opening Ceremony of the Eleventh Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community was staged on Sunday, 12 March 2000 at the Auditorium of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank, Bird Rock, St. Kitts and Nevis and was chaired by Mr. Edwin Carrington, Secretary-General, Caribbean Community (CARICOM) who delivered Opening Remarks. Statements were delivered by the Hon. Basdeo Panday, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and immediate past Chairman of the Community; the Hon Roosevelt Douglas, Prime Minister, Commonwealth of Dominica, and by the Hon Dr. Denzil Douglas, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Planning and National Security, St. Kitts and Nevis and Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Government.
During the Opening Ceremony, the Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies launched a volume entitled “Contending with Destiny” containing the proceedings of the September 1999 Conference on “The Caribbean in the Twenty-first Century” held at UWI Mona, Jamaica, and provided each Head of Government and the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community with autographed copies.
CARICOM SINGLE MARKET AND ECONOMY
Heads of Government approved and signed the last two Protocols namely Protocol VIII on Competition Policy, Consumer Protection Subsidies and Dumping, and Protocol IX on Dispute Settlement, amending the Treaty of Chaguaramas to provide for the establishment of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
The Conference emphasised that attention will now be directed to the implementation of the new Treaty provisions to ensure free movement of goods, services, capital and CARICOM nationals, the right to establish and manage economic enterprises throughout the Single Market, and the coordination of external economic policy.
To this end, Heads of Government considered the activities towards the establishment of the Programmes by July 2000 for the removal of restrictions on rights of establishment, provision of services and movement of capital.
They also reviewed the decision to hold a special Regional Consultation on Implementing the CSME in May, 2000 and agreed that it would now be convened in September, 2000.
CARIBBEAN COURT OF JUSTICE
Heads of Government reaffirmed their decision to establish a Caribbean Court of Justice with original jurisdiction in respect of the interpretation and application of the Treaty. They emphasised the central role of the Court for the operation of the Single Market and Economy in providing legal certainty in the operations of the Single Market and Economy. The Preparatory Committee for the establishment of the Court was mandated to proceed immediately with the implementation of a coherent and comprehensive region-wide Programme of Public Education.
BELIZE/GUATEMALA
Heads of Government received a detailed report on recent developments in Belize’s relationship with Guatemala and agreed to issue the following statement:
BELIZE-GUATEMALA BORDER DISPUTE
The Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community learnt with great dismay that Guatemala has reactivated its claim to more than 12,000 square kilometres of Belize’s territory, which is more than half of the country.
The Heads of Government recalled that Guatemala had categorically stated that it will not resort to the use or threat of force to pursue its claim. They were therefore deeply disturbed at the report of the incident which occurred on 24 February 2000 to the effect that certain elements of the Guatemalan Armed Forces violated the territorial integrity of Belize, unlawfully entered Belizean territory and forced three members of the Belize Defence Force and one member of the Belize Police Department at gunpoint, to cross over into Guatemalan territory where they illegally held them prisoner for over a week.
The CARICOM Heads of Government were incensed by the fact that this incident occurred even as delegates of both Governments were gathered in Miami in preparation for a meeting to chart the course for the amicable settlement of their differences.
The Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community deplored the action of the Guatemalan Armed Forces in invading Belize’s territory and kidnapping four members of Belize’s security forces.
The Conference also expressed its grave concern at the action of the Guatemalan Government in expelling the Belizean Special Envoy and Charge d’Affaires from Guatemala on 7 March 2000, alleging that he had unlawfully removed Belizean Security personnel from Guatemala, despite the fact that the Foreign Minister of Guatemala had confirmed to the Secretary-General of the Organisation of American States, that the security officials in question had been judicially processed and granted their freedom.
The Conference reaffirmed its unequivocal support for the Independence, Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity of Belize in accordance with its long-established and internationally recognised borders.
The Conference welcomed the decision of both Governments to reconvene their discussions to put into effect measures that will diffuse the tension along their border and to establish a process for the peaceful, early and definitive settlement of their differences in accordance with the principles and practices of the United Nations.
GUYANA-VENEZUELA RELATIONS
Heads of Government reiterated their continued desire for a peaceful settlement to the controversy under the aegis of the United Nations Secretary General.
Heads of Government noted with satisfaction the continued improvement in functional cooperation and relations in general between Guyana and Venezuela with the establishment of the High Level Bilateral Commission between the two countries.
In restating their firm support for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Guyana they recalled the decision of the Commonwealth Heads of Government in Durban, South Africa in November 1999 to establish a Ministerial Group on Guyana to monitor further developments in respect of the existing controversy.
SITUATION IN GUYANA
Heads of Government noted the report of the CARICOM Facilitator up to the period December 1999 and agreed that there was no need for an extension of his assignment beyond that time. They however agreed to keep the situation in Guyana under review and will determine at their next Meeting of the Conference whether further support and assistance are needed in the continued implementation of the Herdmanston Accord and the Saint Lucia Statement.
CARICOM OBSERVERS TO ELECTIONS IN SURINAME
The President of the Republic of Suriname, H.E. Jules Albert Wijdenbosch, updated the Conference on the preparations for the general elections of May 25, 2000 in Suriname and requested the presence of CARICOM Observers at these elections.
Heads of Government agreed that a CARICOM Observer Team will be mounted to observe the elections in Suriname. They mandated the CARICOM Secretariat to undertake the necessary preparations in this regard.
HAITI
Heads of Government received a report from the Secretary-General of CARICOM on the recent CARICOM Technical Mission to Haiti on the status of preparation for the parliamentary elections in Haiti.
They noted that since the Mission, the date for the parliamentary elections had been deferred and a new date had not yet been determined. They noted however that the President of Haiti and the Provisional Electoral Council were currently in consultation to determine the date.
Heads of Government called on the international community to continue to maintain its support for the electoral process in Haiti.
Heads of Government endorsed the proposals for the CARICOM Observer Mission to Haiti.
WEST INDIES CRICKET
Heads of Government reiterated that cricket occupies a special place in the economic and social life of the people of the Region and that every effort must be made by all stakeholders to encourage the continued development of the game.
They received a communication from the Concerned Citizens for Justice of Antigua and Barbuda which sought to bring to the Conference’s attention their concern over the state of West Indies cricket and their perception of the problems which need to be addressed. In response, the Cricket Sub-committee of the Heads of Government represented by the Hon. Prime Minister of Grenada, met with a delegation of the Concerned Citizens for Justice.
Heads of Government recognised that the Conference on West Indies Cricket offers an opportunity for all stakeholders to contribute to the resolution of the difficulties confronting West Indies Cricket. In this connection they urged Member States to ensure that national consultations which will culminate with a plenary in June at the UWI in Barbados, should be so organised as to benefit from the widest possible participation by the people of their countries, including groups such as the Concerned Citizens for Justice of Antigua and Barbuda.
Heads of Government looked forward to the cricket conference contributing to the reform and rejuvenation of West Indies cricket so that it might continue to enjoy the special place of pride it has traditionally occupied in the hearts of the people of the region.
They called on all West Indians to render the fullest possible support to the West Indies Cricket team as it embarks on the home series against Zimbabwe and Pakistan.
THE REGION’S EXTERNAL ECONOMIC RELATIONS
Heads of Government reviewed the region’s participation in external negotiations and noted the active role played by the Region’s negotiators. They welcomed the successful completion of the negotiations for the ACP-EU Partnership Agreement and commended the sterling efforts of the Region’s negotiators in those and other on-going negotiations.
Heads of Government expressed concern over the challenge by Panama to the EU’s application to the WTO for a waiver to authorise the trade arrangements in the new Agreement. They agreed to use all diplomatic efforts to secure support for the waiver.
They also took note of the progress made in the FTAA negotiations and observed that while the prospects for an agreement remained uncertain, the Caribbean will continue its preparations and in so doing make every effort to ensure that the concept of special measures for smaller economies is effectively addressed in each FTAA Negotiating Group
Heads of Government noted that the failure of the WTO Ministerial Meeting in Seattle highlighted the need for greater transparency and more effective participation of developing countries in the work of that Organisation. They also agreed to give consideration to enhancing the region’s representation in the WTO.
Heads of Government expressed appreciation to those donors which had provided financial and technical support to the Region in its preparations for international negotiations.
OECD HARMFUL TAX COMPETITION REPORT
Heads of Government discussed the position being taken by the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) on harmful tax practices and reiterated the right of their Member States to participate fully in international financial markets where they have clearly demonstrated their capacity to compete successfully in a globalised world.
In order to ensure transparency, non-discrimination and due process, they endorsed the conclusion in the Commonwealth Secretariat/World Bank Joint Task Force Report Small States: Meeting Challenges in the Global Economy that it would be more appropriate for issues such as those being considered by the OECD to be addressed in multilateral institutions where proper regard can be given to the interests of small States. They regarded the intention of the OECD to take unilateral action blacklisting countries as tax havens and with a view to imposing sanctions, as ill-advised and without basis in international law.
Heads of Government called on the OECD to adopt a fully consultative process in which all parties could explore mutually beneficial ways to maintain international financial markets, and expressed the willingness of their countries to participate in such a process at appropriate levels. Against this background, they strongly urged the OECD to defer the publication of any such list.
SOUTH SUMMIT
Heads of Government welcomed the invitation to participate in the South Summit scheduled to be held in Havana, Cuba on 12-14 April 2000. They noted that this will be an historic occasion as for the first time, Heads of Government of developing countries will meet to discuss economic issues. They observed that this will also be an important occasion for them to provide the political underpinning for cooperative action among the developing countries. They therefore agreed to use the occasion of the South Summit to make significant advances in the process of international development policy formation.
MEMBERSHIP OF THE OECS COUNTRIES
IN THE INTER-AMERICAN DEVELOPMENT BANK
Heads of Government received an update on progress towards giving effect to the decision of the OECS Member Countries to seek joint membership in the Inter-American Development Bank, a decision that has received the full support of all Member States of the Caribbean Community.
They noted that the OECS countries had formally communicated to the Bank their wish for joint membership. Heads of Government further noted that teams from the IDB and the OECS countries would meet in April 2000 to begin discussion and negotiation of the issues on the application by the OECS Countries.
HOUSING PROJECT IN MONTSERRAT
Heads of Government received a report on the situation in Montserrat which highlighted the fact that 150 persons still remained in shelters due to lack of housing. Furthermore an additional 600 families, some currently domiciled outside of Montserrat, were in need of homes.
They noted that 15 houses in the CARICOM Village were completed and had been handed over to the Government and people of Montserrat in December 1999.
They agreed that the Community would re-double its efforts to complete the remaining 10 houses in the CARICOM Village and that a source of funding would be identified to complete the houses in the context of a well-designed project.
CARIFESTA VII
Heads of Government pledged their support for CARIFESTA VII being hosted in the twin-island Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis on 17-26 August 2000, under the theme Caribbean Arts and Culture – Reflecting, Consolidating, Moving on! The Festival will provide a great opportunity for a dramatic display of the Region’s cultural diversity and creative strengths and will also be a celebration of the Region’s achievements in the 20th Century.
Heads of Government noted the establishment of a CARIFESTA Secretariat with responsibility for upgrading and renovating venues for the various events; preparing special accommodation for participants in two housing estates under construction; training technical staff and implementing an effective communications and marketing strategy so as to inform the public and attract widespread attendance.
Heads of Government urged full participation of CARICOM States in CARIFESTA VII as the Region prepares to focus on the contribution its artists continue to make to the Region’s development and in particular the role they play in defining Caribbean identity in the global milieu.
ALLOCATION OF PORTFOLIOS
Heads of Government, in keeping with the decision in the Consensus of Chaguaramas adopted at the Special Meeting of the Conference in October 1999, to constitute a quasi-cabinet of individual Heads of Government to spearhead action in sectors critical to the region’s integration and its vision of development into the twenty-first century, agreed to the distribution of portfolios set out below:
REGIONAL PORTFOLIO DISTRIBUTION AMONG
CARICOM HEADS OF GOVERNMENT
|
COUNTRY |
|
| EXTERNAL NEGOTIATIONS | Jamaica |
| SINGLE MARKET AND ECONOMY (Including Monetary Union) | Barbados |
| HEALTH (including HIV/AIDS) AND HUMAN RESOURCE DEVELOPMENT | St. Kitts and Nevis |
| SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY | Grenada |
| TOURISM (including Land, Cruise, Suva Partnership Agreement provisions etc.) | The Bahamas |
| SERVICES (including Information Technology and Telecommunications | Antigua and Barbuda |
| AGRICULTURE AND AGRICULTURAL DIVERSIFICATION AND FOOD SECURITY (including the RTP) | Guyana |
| SECURITY (Drugs and Illicit Arms) | Trinidad and Tobago |
| TRANSPORT (Maritime and Aviation) | Haiti |
| LABOUR (including intra-community movement of skills) | Dominica |
| SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT (including Environment and Disaster Management*) | Belize |
| COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT AND CULTURAL COOPERATION (including Culture, Gender, Youth and Sport | Suriname |
| JUSTICE AND GOVERNANCE | Saint Lucia |
INVOLVEMENT OF WIDER CIVIL SOCIETY
In keeping with the commitment contained in the Consensus of Chaguaramas, to promote consensus-building and the involvement of civil society in the Regional integration process, Heads of Government reiterated the special need for Opposition leaders to be brought into the process. They requested the Secretary-General to take advantage of his presence in Member States to brief Opposition Leaders on developments in the regional integration process. They noted that the Annual Meeting of the Assembly of Parliamentarians would also be an opportunity for updating both Government and Opposition parliamentarians on regional issues.
In the meantime, Heads of Government committed themselves to strengthening their national consultation mechanisms to support efforts being made at the regional level to provide for the greater involvement of civil society.
REVIEW OF THE ROLE, STRUCTURE AND FUNCTIONING
The re-examination of the role, structure and functioning of the Secretariat continued to receive the attention of the Conference in light of the many changes taking place in the Community. Heads of Government noted that in fulfilment of its mandate given at the Seventh Special Meeting of the Conference in October 1999, the Secretariat in collaboration with other regional organisations had developed terms of reference for the work to be undertaken. Heads of Government agreed that the Secretariat should proceed expeditiously with this work.
They welcomed the assurance of the President of Guyana of the early commencement of the building of the headquarters of the Secretariat. They agreed that the Headquarters should reflect the character and personality of the Community and that the Secretariat should work with the Government of Guyana in the conception and implementation of all aspects of the project.
APPRECIATION
Heads of Government expressed their appreciation to the Government and People of St Kitts and Nevis for the warm hospitality extended to them and their delegations during their short stay. They also expressed appreciation to the Chairman of the Conference for the efficient and effective manner in which he had presided over the meeting.
Heads of Government also expressed their appreciation to the Secretariat for the ongoing efforts towards regional integration.
Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis
14 March 2000
