The Eleventh Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community was held in Kingston, Jamaica from 31 July 1990 to 2 August 1990. The Heads of delegations in attendance were:
Hon. Lester Bird, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Economic Development, Tourism and Energy, Antigua and Barbuda; The Rt. Hon. Sir Lynden O. Pindling, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, The Bahamas; The Rt. Hon. Erskine Sandiford, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Barbados; The Rt. Hon. George Price, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance Belize; Hon. Mary Eugenia Charles, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dominica; Hon. Nicholas Brathwaite, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Grenada;H.E. Hugh Desmond Hoyte, S.C., President, Guyana; Hon. Percival J. Patterson, Q.C. Acting Prime Minister and Minister of Development, Planning and Production, Jamaica;The Rt. Hon. Dr. Kennedy Simmonds, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs and Finance, St. Kitts and Nevis;The Rt. Hon. John Compton, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Planning and Development and Home Affairs, Saint Lucia; The Rt. Hon. James F. Mitchell, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Finance, St. Vincent and the Grenadines;Sen. The Hon. Dr. Sahadeo Basdeo, Minister of External Affairs, Trinidad and Tobago.
Mr. Roderick Rainford, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community, chaired the Inaugural Session.
Heads of Government observed one minute’s silence in memory of the late Prime Minister of Grenada, The Rt. Hon. Herbert Blaize. The Hon Percival J. Patterson, Q.C., acting Prime Minister and Minister of Development, Planning and Production, Jamaica delivered the Opening Address. Acting Prime Minister Patterson said “while economic development is the foundation of our integration, we must never make the mistake of pursuing our goals without the popular participation of our peoples in the Region, history is littered with the instances where narrow self interest prevails because there is not popular understanding of wider issues. The involvement of people in the integration process cannot be an after-thought, but must be the focus of what we do. Our development goals must be people-centred. The benefits of economic production must be for the majority of the population”.
Speeches were also delivered by the Rt. Hon. L. Erskine Sandiford, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Affairs, Barbados; The Rt. Hon. George Price, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Belize; and the Hon. Nicholas Brathwaite, Prime Minister, Grenada.
The Conference elected the Rt. Hon. Michael Manley, Prime Minister of Jamaica as its Chairman-in-Office; and in his absence, elected Hon. Percival J. Patterson as Chairman of its Eleventh Meeting.
The Meeting was preceded, on 24-26 July 1990 by a Preparatory Meeting of Ministers; on 27-28 July 1990, by a Special Meeting of the Common Market Council; and on 30 July 1990 by the Fourteenth Meeting of the Standing Committee of Ministers responsible for Finance. These Meetings submitted a number of recommendations to the Conference. Conference also considered recommendations from the Sixteenth Meeting of the Standing Committee of Ministers responsible for Foreign Affairs; the Eighth Meeting of the Standing Committee of Ministers responsible for Education; the Fourteenth Meeting of the Standing Committee of Ministers responsible for Transportation; and the Sub-Committee of Attorneys-General of Member States assigned responsibility by the Standing Committee of Ministers responsible for Legal Affairs to make recommendations on matters relating to the establishment and functioning of the proposed Caribbean Court of Appeal.
Heads of Government welcomed the growing co-operation between Mexico and CARICOM as evidenced by the visit to Jamaica of the President of Mexico, His Excellency Carlos Salinas de Gortari, which coincided with the Meeting of the Conference. They received his Excellency, who addressed them immediately following the Opening Ceremony of the Conference.
Heads of Government acknowledged with appreciation messages of greetings from the Governments of Brazil, Cuba, Suriname and Venezuela.
Heads of Government recognised that the Eleventh Meeting of the Conference was convened against the background of a radically changing international environment. They reviewed developments on the international scene,. In particular the globalisation of the world economy, the emergence of powerful trading blocks, the growing impact of newly industrialised countries (NIC’s) on the international economy and the rise of new poles of economic and financial power.
They considered the progress made so far in the fulfulment of the goals set forth in the Treaty of Chaguaramas, and the Annex thereto, and reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening the process of regional integration as the best means of responding effectively to the challenges as well as to the opportunities of the present international situation. In this context, they reviewed the progress made in achieving the goals set out in the Grand Anse Declaration and Work Programme.
SITUATION IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Heads of Government unreservedly condemned the assault of the constitutional democracy, the rule of law and the sanctity of the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago and the holding hostage of Prime Minister A.N.R. Robinson, members of his Cabinet, Parliamentarians and other persons.
They noted with deep relief and satisfaction the freeing of the persons held as hostages, the taking into custody of their captors and the bringing to an end of the crisis in Trinidad and Tobago.
They also noted with satisfaction the quick response of Member States in the despatching of disciplined forces to Barbados to await deployment to Trinidad and Tobago, if required, and placed on record their deep appreciation of the action taken by the Government of Member States of the Community in rendering assistance to another Member State of the Community in time of emergency.
Heads of Government recognised that events such as the crisis in Trinidad and Tobago highlighted the vulnerability of small states to threats from terrorism.
They agreed on the necessity to review existing arrangements in support of regional security and decided to establish a Committee of Member States to look into the matter and report before the Twelfth Meeting of Conference.
DEVELOPMENTS IN COMMUNITY
Review of Programmes and Existing Institutions
Heads of Government received a report on the review of programmes and institutions of the Community and agreed on arrangements for a full consideration of the recommendations at both the technical and political levels.
Human Resource Development Programme of the University of the West Indies
Heads of Government considered a report from Mr. Alister Mc Intyre, Vice Chancellor of the University of the West Indies on the steps being taken by the University to implement the Resolution on Human Resource Development adopted at the Tenth Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government.
They were pleased to learn that the University Development Plan for the period 1990-2000, which projects a 50 percent increase in enrolment – especially in the areas of science, technology, management and education – was at a very advanced stage. In this new plan, the University was placing emphasis on bringing the non-Campus territories into the mainstream of university development.
Institutional Developments
Heads of Government reviews the progress in the implementation of their decisions to further develop the institutional arrangements supporting the Integration process in the Region.
They noted with satisfaction that the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) had been formally launched on 17 July 1990 with headquarters in Trinidad and Tobago as a permanent body to oversee developments in regional telecommunications. They recognised the importance of telecommunications infrastructure in strengthening the process of integration and were confident that the CTU would fulfil the objectives of rationalising regional telecommunications policy, establishing and harmonising regional technical standards and solving intra-regional telecommunications problems.
Heads of Government noted the progress made in the implementation of the decisions taken by the Tenth Meeting with regard to the establishment of a Caribbean Court of Appeal and the Assembly of Caribbean Parliamentarians. They agreed that the draft Inter-Governmental agreements on these two projects would be further considered at the next meeting of the Standing Committee of Ministers responsible for Legal Affairs.
Heads of Government noted the progress made on the proposal to confer the Order of the Caribbean Community on outstanding CARICOM nationals. They urged Member States which has not yet taken action to expedite their consideration of the draft Inter-Governmental Agreement establishing the Order so that the first awards could be conferred at the Twelfth Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government.
Heads of Government noted that an Inter-Governmental Agreement establishing a CARICOM Mechanism for Emergency Response Disaster Relief has been drafted. They endorsed, in principle, the proposed structure of the Agency as set our in the draft Agreement. They agreed that Member States would give further consideration to the draft and would convey their views to the CARICOM Secretariat by 30 September 1990 after which further action would be taken to establish the Agency and make it operational before the start of the next hurricane season. They also agreed that the necessary steps should be taken to extend the duration of the Pan Caribbean Disaster Preparedness and Prevention Project (PCDPPP) for another year pending the establishment of the Agency, in order to prevent any hiatus.
The Encounter Between Two Worlds
Heads of Government noted reports on on-going plans and programmes to commemorate the 500th Anniversary of the Encounter Between Two Worlds and agreed to highlight major regional events leading up to 1992 as instances of regional co-operation and integration. In that regard, particular attention was paid to the Regional Economic Conference, the activities of the Independent West Indian Commission, CARIFESTA V and the 1992 Regional Trade Fair. Heads of Government noted, in particular, the comprehensive programme which was already underway in Trinidad and Tobago involving both national and regional events pertaining to the Encounter. They reiterated that the events should promote the recognition of the creative genius of Caribbean people and enhance awareness of the common history, identity and destiny of the Region.
Preparations for Regional Economic Conference
Heads of Government reviewed the preparations being made for the Regional Economic Conference in Trinidad and Tobago on November 12 – 14 1990. They emphasised that the Conference would be broad-based and would seek to arrive at a consensus on the directions and policies which the Region should adopt as the twenty-first century approaches.
Progress of Work of the West Indian Commission
Heads of Government received a report from Sir Shridath Ramphal, Chairman of the West Indian Commission, on the work of the Commission since its formal launching in November 1989. They were pleased to learn of the high level of public interest shown in the work of the Commission during its first set of hearings which were held in Guyana and Trinidad and Tobago. They were encouraged that the Commission’s mandate for the involvement of the peoples of the Region in shaping the future of the Regional Movement was being fulfilled.
They were appreciative of the generosity of the Government of Barbados in providing the Commission’s headquarters.
Regional Trade Fair 1992
Heads of Government noted the information concerning preparations for the Regional Trade Fair scheduled to be held in Trinidad and Tobago in 1992 and endorsed the establishment of a Project Steering Committee to prepare for the event.
Heads of Government reiterated the importance of regional trade fairs as opportunities to promote the Region as a reliable source of quality products and as means to facilitate the development and expansion of intra-regional and extra-regional trade.
Review of the Status of Action Towards the Creation of a Single Integrated Common Market
Heads of Government reviewed the progress made to date in the implementation of the Grand Anse Declaration and Work Programme – which embodies the steps agreed on by Conference last year at its Meeting in Grenada towards the creation of a Single CARICOM Market. Heads of Government in their adherence to this objective, took final decisions on the major outstanding instruments of the Common External Tariff (CET) and Rules of Origin and welcomed the advances made towards the establishment of a Regional Stock Exchange. They reiterated the commitment of their Governments to have the legislative and other measures completed in sufficient time to meet the implementation date of January 1, 1991.
In light of the importance attached to the creation of a single CARICOM market, Heads of Government affirmed the need for a fully unified CARICOM External Tariff to enable the establishment and effective functioning of the single market by the agreed deadline of January 1, 1994.
Heads of Government announced that from January 1, 1991 the three existing stock exchanges in the Region would begin the process of cross-listing and cross-trading of securities. They expressed satisfaction at the steps taken by these Member States towards the removal of obstacles to the free movement of intra-regional capital and looked forward to the extension of the arrangements to include other Member States and to further action in the development of the Regional Capital Market.
They decided to accelerate the implementation process by agreeing to create a new regional position of CARICOM Commissioner to commence functioning by 1 October 1990. The CARICOM Commissioner is to work closely with the individuals Member States and the CARICOM Secretariat in ensuring the effective and urgent implementation of all the measures agreed on within the timetable set. The CARICOM Commissioner is to be chosen from among CARICOM nationals with extensive knowledge in CARICOM affairs and wide experience of other integration arrangements.
Free Movement of Peoples
Heads of Government endorsed “Programme AFFIRM – Arrangements for Freer Intra-Regional Movement – which was developed in accordance with the decisions taken at Grand Anse. This Programme is designed to facilitate freer intra-regional movement of CARICOM peoples for purposes of travel and work.
The Programme provides, among other things, for CARICOM nationals travelling in the Region to be given the option of presenting satisfactory forms of identification other than passports. It also calls for the waiver or work permit requirements for professional and skilled CARICOM nationals working in the areas of the visual and performing arts, sports and the media to participate in regional events.
Regional Transportation Policy
Heads of Government recognised that efficient and reliable transportation is vital to the successful development of the regional integration movement. They agreed that the Heads of Government directly concerned with the issue of the rationalisation of the regional airlines of the Eastern Caribbean countries of the Community would meet within three months to finalise the consideration of that matter.
Widening of the Community
Heads of Government reaffirmed the position they adopted at their Informal Session in Barbados in March 1990 when they agreed on the need to adopt a dynamic approach to the question of the widening of the Community. They noted that such an approach had its basis in the original intentions of the founding fathers of CARICOM who had foreseen an expansion of the regional integration movement to encompass, eventually, all Caribbean peoples. A new dynamism was also required by the changing international relations situation. Heads of Government called on the West Indian Commission to pay particular attention to this question in its consultations and deliberation.
Heads of Government considered a number of applications for membership and observer status in the Community and expressed the Community’s willingness to grant associate membership to the British Virgin islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands, subject to the necessary entrustment being accorded to the elected governmental authorities of the two territories by the United Kingdom Government.
With regard to the application by the Dominican Republic for full membership to the Community, they requested the West Indian Commission to give consideration to this as part of its overall study of the widening of the Community through the addition of new full members.
Heads of Government agreed that Mexico and Venezuela should be offered observer status in the Conference of Ministers of Health (CMH) and the Standing Committees of Ministers responsible for Agriculture, for Education, for Science and Technology, for Labour for Transportation, and the CARICOM Ministerial Conference on the Environment.
Heads of Government also agreed that Puerto Rico should be offered observer status in the Conference of Ministers of Health, The CARICOM Ministerial Conference ohnthe Environment, and the Standing Committees of Ministers responsible for Agriculture, for Education and for Science and Technology.
Regional Economic Trends
Heads of Government reviewed the recent economic trends in the Region against the backdrop of the major developments in the international economy, the continued efforts of Member States to implement appropriate macro-economic policies and the cumulative impact of two major recent hurricanes – Gilbert and Hugo. They observed that the pace of economic activity in the Region had slackened during 1989. Nevertheless, most countries continued to experience modest growth in real income though the performance of some of the larger countries continued to be below potential.
Heads of Government expressed satisfaction at the continued recovery in the flow of intra-regional trade and reaffirmed their commitment to the removal of the remaining impediments to the free flow of trade in the Region.
INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC SITUATION
In examining the international economic situation, Heads of Government took particular note of the developments with respect to the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations, progress towards the creation of a Single European Market, the announcement of the “Enterprise of the Americas” initiative by President Bush, and the existing external debt problem.
In their review of the state of negotiations on the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations, Heads of Government reiterated that the agreed principles of transparency and differential and more favourable treatment for developing countries are indispensable to an equitable outcome of the negotiations that would guarantee a more efficient functioning of the international trading system.
In their discussion of the Single Market in Europe, Heads of Government took particular note of the implications of this development for the interest of the Region. They urged regional producers and investors to take steps to improve the competitiveness of their products and increase their investments in order to take full advantage of possible opportunities presented by the larger, though more competitive markets.
Heads of Government endorsed the decision of the Common Market Council to consider the establishment of a CARICOM Office in Europe to monitor, promote and pursue Caribbean interests on that Continent.
Heads of Government also reviewed the various initiatives being taken to address the problem of external indebtedness. They observed that an early solution to the debt problem was critical not only for the future growth and stability of countries which were crippled by the debt burden but also for the restoration of confidence and dynamism in the international financial system.
They noted that is was necessary for a comprehensive strategy to be adopted to address the various categories of debt. In this context they welcomed the recommendations contained in the Latin America and Caribbean proposals on debt adopted by the Latin American and Caribbean Finance Ministers at their Meeting at the headquarters of the Latin American Economic System (SELA) in June 1990; and the initiatives being taken in the Commonwealth and the Group of 15 Non-Aligned countries.
Heads of Government noted that the Inaugural Meeting of the Summit Level Group for South-South Co-operation, of which Jamaica is a member, took place in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, and that in its deliberations it, inter alia, expressed strong support for greater South-South co-operation and the need for a new approach to the North-South dialogue.
EXTERNAL RELATIONS OF THE COMMUNITY
CARICOM/Latin America Relations
Heads of Government welcomed the initiative launched in Tobago in August 1990 by the President of Venezuela and five CARICOM Heads of Government, and the follow-up meetings of officials held in Caracas in January and June 1990. They endorsed the action taken so far in pursuit of the initiative.
Heads of Government welcomed the ongoing positive relations with Mexico as evidenced by the Technical Co-operation Agreement on Professional Upgrading signed on 18 May 1990 as well as the Technical Co-operation and Trade Promotion Agreement signed on 31 July 1990.
CARICOM/Canada Relations
Heads of Government reviewed the results of the Commonwealth Caribbean/Canada Summit held in Barbados in March 1990, and expressed appreciation for Canada’s forgiveness of the official debt of CARICOM States. They looked forward to the implementation of Prime Minister Mulroney’s commitments on the issues of trade and investment on the basis of full and continuing consultation and co-operation between both sides.
CARICOM/United States Relations
Heads of Government reviewed developments relating to the CBI and more particularly, the CBI II legislation and while welcoming the progress through the legislative process, expressed disappointment at the systematic removal fo new and innovative provisions from the legislation.
They however, viewed with interest the “enterprises of the Americas” initiative announced by President Bush on 27 June 1990. Heads of Government urged that any follow-up to the initiative be based on thorough consultation at all levels and at all stages and affirmed that CARICOM Member States will adopt a joint approach in response to the initiative.
Relations with the European Economic Community
Heads of Government took note of the fact that since their last Meeting, the Lomé IV Convention, which has a life span of ten years, has been signed. They welcomed the improvements in the new Convention in the quality of aid, the increased access for agricultural exports, and the introduction of special arrangements to assist ACP States in the process of structural adjustment.
Heads of Government emphasised the economic, social and political importance of a viable banana industry to the Caribbean and reaffirmed their determination to work with the European Community in formulating common rules and work arrangements for bananas within a Single European Market which were consistent with the assurances given and commitments entered into in Protocol V of Lomé IV and the Joint Declaration on the said Protocol. They reiterated the view that the joint Caribbean proposal on the treatment of bananas in the EEC formed an appropriate basis on which rules could be formulated, and called upon the European Community to enter into meaningful consultations on the subject, at an early date, while committing themselves to participate actively in the consultative process.They considered the matter of such urgency and importance that they issued a separate statement on the subject which is attached.
Heads of Government welcomed the accession by the Dominican Republic and Haiti to the Lomé IV Convention, and looked forward to co-operating with these two new Caribbean ACP States with a view to enhancing the collective enjoyment of the benefits of the Lomé Convention.
REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL POLITICAL ISSUES
Guyana/Venezuela
Heads of Government examined recent developments in the relations between the Co-operative Republic of Guyana and the Republic of Venezuela and recorded their satisfaction with the fact that the bases of co-operation have been strengthened by the continuation of mutually beneficial functional co-operation in a number of relevant areas.
With regard to the controversy, they noted that the process initiated with the appointment of Mr. Alister Mc Intyre as the Personal Representative of the Secretary-General of the United Nations to perform the functions of “good officer” has been further reinforced as a result of meetings and exchanges of views between him and officials of both Governments.
Heads of Government welcomed these developments and agreed that they indicated a continuation of the cordial and expanding relations between Guyana and Venezuela.
Belize/Guatemala
Heads of Government welcomed the report of the Government of Belize on progress made in the negotiations between Belize and Guatemala towards identifying the elements to be included in a comprehensive Treaty to provide a just and honourable solution to the problems between the two countries.
Heads of Government called on the Governments of Belize and Guatemala to continue the negotiations in good faith and expressed the hope that all commitments undertaken would be enshrined in the Treaty and would be faithfully implemented. They urged the Government of the United Kingdom and other friendly Governments to support efforts by Belize and Guatemala to develop programmes of mutual benefit to the two countries.
Heads of Government reaffirmed their resolve to maintain regional and international support for Belize’s independence and territorial integrity, and agreed to render appropriate assistance to the Government of Belize in efforts to conclude the Treaty with Guatemala.
They declared that an early and acceptable conclusion of the problem between Belize and Guatemala would encourage the strengthening and expansion of relations between the Caribbean Community and the countries of Central America.
Haiti
Heads of Government reviewed developments in Haiti since their Informal Session held in Barbados in March 1990.These developments included the Second CARICOM Ministerial Mission, and the visit by the CARICOM Working Group of Senior Electoral Officials to Haiti. Heads of Government expressed the Caribbean Community’s continuing support for the efforts and aspirations of the Haitian people to achieve a just and democratic system of Government.They pledged once again CARICOM’s preparedness to co-operate with the Government and people of Haiti and with the United Nations and the Organisations of American States in providing assistance for the holding of free and fair elections. They also reiterated their commitment to help mobilise greater international material support for the social and economic well-being of the Haitian people.
Heads of Government took note of a number of developments which could have a negative effect on either the timing or the validity of the electoral process. They expressed the hope that forces inside and outside Haiti would do everything possible to help, and do nothing to hinder, Haiti’s transition to electoral democracy.
They expressed appreciation to the Government of the Bahamas for that Government’s assistance in furthering CARICOM-Haiti relations.
Central America
Heads of Government noted the recent developments in Central America and expressed the hope that the peaceful conditions which have emerged in recent times would become a permanent feature of the entire sub-region.
They hoped that these conditions would facilitate the early return of refugees and displaced persons to their countries of origin as well as the reconstruction of the economies of the sub-region.
Invasion of Kuwait
Heads of Government received with much concern the report that Iraqi troops had invaded neighbouring Kuwait, a small State, deposing the Government of that country and setting up what it has called a provisional Government.
Heads of Government considered this action by Iraq a flagrant violation of the Charter of the United Nations and an assault on the principle of the settlement of dispute by peaceful means. They called for the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the invading troops from the territory of Kuwait. They reiterated the importance of full respect for the independence, sovereignty and territorial integrity of states, and of the settlement of inter-state disputes without resort to the threat or use of force. They called on the Government of Iraq to cease its aggression and settle its differences with Kuwait by peaceful means, in accordance with the Charter of the United Nations.
Southern Africa
Heads of Government noted that a considerable evolution had taken place in Southern Africa since their last meeting. In this context, they noted the accession of Namibia to independence, the removal of the ban on the African National Congress (ANC), and the release from prison of Nelson Mandela and other political prisoners. They considered that such actions taken in response to internal and external pressures had created what appears to be a real prospect for a constructive dialogue between the de Klerk regime and the ANC.
They expressed concern at the number of apartheid laws and regulations still in existence. They also expressed grave concern at the continuing violence taking place and condemned, in particular, the violence unleashed by hard-line white supremacists.
They called for the maintenance of sanctions against South Africa until such time as clear and irreversible changes had taken place towards the complete dismantling of the apartheid system.
With regard to the wider Southern African Region, Heads of Government welcomed the efforts being made to negotiate a settlement to the conflicts in Angola and Mozambique.
Developments in Eastern Europe
Heads of Government took note of the radical changes which had taken place recently in Eastern Europe. They considered that these had ushered in a new era, had facilitated the end of the cold war, had redefined the role of NATO and the WARSAW Pact, and had made Eastern Europe a most dynamic factor in the European political equation.
They reiterated their concern that the interests and needs of CARICOM States could be subordinated as the western developed countries seek to respond to the efforts of the Eastern European Countries for greater integration into the global economy and participation in the international financial institutions.
Drugs
Heads of Government welcomed the increased commitment of the international community to co-operation and collaboration in the effort to combat production, trafficking and abuse of illicit narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. They further expressed special satisfaction at the growing international recognition of the importance of demand reduction in efforts to control both production and abuse.
Heads of Government discussed the importance of developing mechanisms to protect the regional and international banking and financial systems from subversion by the international drug traffickers. They committed their governments to supporting strategies being developed in this important area.They also took note of the active participation of a number of CARICOM States in the Aruba Drug / Money Laundering Conference in June 1990.
Heads of Government noted developments in respect of the establishment of the international Criminal Court and committed themselves to maintaining efforts in this regard.
THE ENVIRONMENT
Heads of Government reiterated their commitment to the proper management, protection and utilisation of the environment in support of development. They agreed that international environmental efforts should recognise the sovereignty of States and the responsibility of all peoples and Governments to preserve the common ecological heritage of mankind.
They welcomed the commitment of the participants in the recent Economic Summit in Houston to respect the sovereign rights of states in support of the efforts to preserve and protect the global environment.
Heads of Government urged full participation by Member States in the forth coming United Nations Conference on the Environment and Development in Brasilia in 1992, and in the Second World Climate Conference in Geneva later this year.They agreed that all CARICOM States should be parties to the Convention for the Protection and Development of the Marine Environment of the Wider Caribbean, and the Protocol concerning Co-operation in Combatting Oil Spills in the Wider Caribbean. They supported the Environmental Action Plan for Latin America and the Caribbean.
They urged organisations such as the Commonwealth Secretariat and UNEP to continue and increase their support to small states such as those in CARICOM to facilitate their full and effective participation in the 1992 Conference and the follow-up thereto.
They noted that the Second CARICOM Ministerial Conference on the Environment to be held in Jamaica on September 1990 would review the progress made since the First Conference; that the Preparatory Meeting of Caribbean and Latin American Environment Ministers would take place in Trinidad and Tobago in October 1990; and that the development and strengthening of the Caribbean Environmental Health Institute continues.
They recorded their satisfaction with and endorsement of the Commonwealth-Government of Guyana Programme for Sustainable Tropical Forestry which they considered to be a practical example of linking the preservation of the environment with the need for sustainable development. They complimented the Government of Guyana on initiating the project and urged the international community to provide the required support for the early and effective implementation of the project.
TWENTY-FIFTH ANNIVERSARY OF THE SIGNINGOF THE DICKENSON BAY AGREEMENT
Heads of Government addressed attention to the fact that December 15, 1990 will mark the Twenty-Fifth Anniversary of the signing of the Dickenson Bay Agreement launching the movement into the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) which was later deepened into CARICOM. On a proposal by Antigua and Barbuda they agreed that an appropriate programme of activities, in which they would participate, should take place on that day in commemoration of this historical event.
DATE AND VENUE OF THE NEXT MEETING
Heads of Government recalled their acceptance of the offer by the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis to host the Twelfth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government and agreed that that Meeting would take place in July 1991.They also agreed to hold a Special Meeting in Antigua and Barbuda on December 14, 1990.
