The Fifteenth Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community was held at the Sherbourne Conference Centre, Bridgetown, Barbados, 4 – 7 July 1994.
Heads of Government in attendance were: The Hon. Lester Bird, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Antigua and Barbuda; The Rt. Hon. L. Erskine Sandiford, Prime Minister and Minister of Economic Affairs and tourism, Barbados; The Rt. Hon. Huber Ingraham, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Commonwealth of The Bahamas; The Rt. Hon. Manuel Esquivel, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Defence, Belize; Hon. Dame Mary Eugenia Charles, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Economic Development, Commonwealth of Dominica; His Excellency Dr. Cheddi Jagan, President of the Co-operative Republic of Guyana; The Rt. Hon. Percival J. Patterson, Prime Minister of Jamaica; Dr. the Rt. Hon, Kennedy Simmonds, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs and Finance and CARICOM Affairs, St. Kitts and Nevis; The Rt. Hon. John Compton, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Planning and Development, Saint Lucia; The Rt.Hon. James Mitchell, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, St. Vincent and the Grenadines; Hon. Patrick Manning, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada was represented by Hon. George Brizan, Minister of Agriculture, Production, Lands, Forestry, Fisheries, Trade, Industry and Energy.
Montserrat was not represented at the Conference.
The British Virgin Islands, an Associate Member of the Community, was represented by Hon. H. Lavity Stoutt, Chief Minister.
The following Prime Ministers delivered addresses at the Opening Ceremony: Rt. Hon. L. Erskine Sandiford, Rt. Hon. James Mitchell, Rt. Hon, Manuel Esquivel, and Hon. Lester Bird. Mr. Edwin Carrington, Secretary-General, chaired the proceedings and made an Opening Statement.
In his welcoming remarks, the Rt. Hon. L. Erskine Sandiford, Prime Minister of Barbados, and Chairman of the Conference, called upon the Community to move to a high level of functioning by combining its economic and other strengths, in order to provide prosperity and hope and a better, more sustainable life for its people. He urged that the Community should seek through patient, persistent and pragmatic steps to build upon its achievements, to learn from past mistakes and to build, incrementally, a Community that “reflects as well as manifests the aspirations and dreams of Caribbean people for progress and prosperity”.
PRESENTATIONS MADE TO THE CONFERENCE
Heads of Government received presentations from Mr. Yesu Persaud, President of the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC) and Mr. Kertist Augustus, General Secretary of the Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL) on issues relevant to the private sector and labour, respectively.
They also received a presentation from Ms. Angela Cropper, Executive Secretary of the Convention for Biodiversity, with respect to the particular relevance of that Convention to CARICOM States.
ORDER OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY
Heads of Government received a report from the Advisory Committee on the Order of the Caribbean Community submitting recommendations for the award of the Order, and agreed to confer the Order of the Caribbean Community on four distinguished CARICOM nationals.
DEEPENING THE INTEGRATION PROCESS
Heads of Government reflected on the significance of the 21 years of the development of the regional integration movement, its successes and failures. They noted that today’s world makes co-operation arrangements among States such as those comprising CARICOM, most essential, and recognised that the 21st Century will make effective co-operation among small States indispensable.
In this context, Heads of Government reviewed developments in the global economy during 1993 which impacted on the economic performance of the Region, including an expansion in global output, accompanied by low rates of inflation, low short-term interest rates and some volatility among major currencies. They noted that the global economy has witnessed sluggish growth, high rates of unemployment in some of the industrialised countries and depressed commodity prices in the international market, with the notable exceptions of coffee and cocoa.
These developments encompassed several issues which were likely to influence the Region’s policy-making. These include the reduction in net capital flows from bilateral and multilateral sources as well as the negative consequences of graduation of some CARICOM countries from concessionary funding arrangements of a number of multilateral institutions.
Heads of Government also noted that the recently concluded Uruguay Round Agreement represented a movement towards increased liberalisation of trade and that the Region had to prepare to respond, as a matter of urgency, to the challenges which global trade liberalisation would present to the economies of the Region. There was also the recognition that the phenomenon of low growth in the major industrialised countries was being translated into a weakening in demand for many of the Region’s exports. In this regard, they recognised the need for the Region to be even more competitive given its vulnerable economies, and the formation of trading blocs, such as NAFTA.
With regard to regional economic developments, Heads of Government noted that the most CARICOM countries had achieved positive rates of growth, though in some cases, growth was slower than in the previous year. They were concerned that unemployment levels in the Region continued to be high but noted however, that inflation was contained to a single digit level in many of their countries. Heads of Government also welcomed the reduction in the Region’s external debt as countries sought to limit new external borrowing and to systematically service existing debt obligations. They however, expressed their concern that debt constituted a major impediment to sustained growth in the severely indebted countries. They reiterated the critical need for a reduction in the external debt and debt servicing burdens of the heavily indebted CARICOM countries, much of which debt is owed to multilateral financial institutions. They emphasised the need to maintain external debt reduction as a priority element of the Region’s external negotiation strategy and for Member States to devise a unified practical response to the external debt issue, through an appropriate regional mechanism, with a view to securing debt relief for the countries concerned.
Against this background they deliberated on the following issues relating to the deepening of the integration movement as well as the development of the Region’s external relations.
SINGLE MARKET AND ECONOMY
Heads of Government reviewed the progress towards the establishment of the Single Market and Economy. They expressed their concern at the slow pace of progress with the execution of the work programme of the Single Market and Economy which was adopted at the Third Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference in Kingston, Jamaica, in February 1992, and the rate of implementation of decisions by Member States. They emphasised the need for the work on the Single Market and Economy to be accorded high priority at both the national and regional levels.
Heads of Government stressed that in the context of the Single Market and Economy, it was imperative that there be additional emphasis on intra-regional trade.
Heads of Government called for an intensified effort to implement the agreed work programme. They agreed that a report would be presented to the Sixth Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference whose Agenda would focus on issues related to the Single Market and Economy.
DOUBLE TAXATION AGREEMENT
Heads of Government welcomed the signature by eight Member States of the CARICOM Double Taxation Agreement on 6 July 1994. They noted that the Agreement will come into force when it is ratified by at least two Member States. They therefore urged early ratification of the Agreement, in the continuing effort at economic co-operation in the Region, and towards the establishment of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.
TRAVELLING IN THE REGION
Heads of Government received the Report from the leader of the delegation of Grenada, the country with lead responsibility for the promotion of travelling in the Region. They noted that common lines for citizens, residents and CARICOM nationals at international ports of entry has been implemented in eleven Member States, and that eight Member States had implemented the decisions which allow CARICOM nationals to use forms of identification other that passports to enter those Member States.
Heads of Government urged those Member States which had not adopted the necessary measures to facilitate hassle-free travel in the Region, to do so expeditiously.
FREE MOVEMENT OF SKILLS
Heads of Government received the report of the President of Guyana on efforts towards implementing the free movement of skills in the Region. They noted with satisfaction that several Member States are in the process of implementing the decision of the Fourteenth Meeting of the Conference with respect to the free movement of skills.
They accepted the recommendation by the Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies (UWI) that CARICOM nationals who are graduates of the University of the Virgin Islands should be recognised on an equal footing with their counterparts of the UWI and the University of Guyana for the purpose of implementing the decisions affecting the free movement of such graduates.
ESTABLISHMENT OF A COMMON CURRENCY
Heads of Government received the report of the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago on efforts towards the establishment of a common currency in the Region. They agreed that the Committee of Central Bank Governors should continue to work to develop the detailed arrangements for the achievement of this objective.
ASSEMBLY OF CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY PARLIAMENTARIANS
Heads of Government expressed satisfaction that the Agreement establishing the Assembly of Caribbean Community Parliamentarians, will come into force on 3 August 1994 following deposit of the Instrument of Ratification of the Agreement establishing the Assembly by Antigua and Barbuda, providing the requisite seventh ratification. The six Member States which had previously ratified are The Bahamas, Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. Heads of Government recognised that the Assembly would constitute a forum for a wider debate on issues affecting the Region and therefore looked forward to the holding of the First Session of the Assembly at a date and venue to be determined in the very near future.
CHARTER OF CIVIL SOCIETY
Heads of Government recalled that the draft Charter of Civil Society had been adopted by the Fourteenth Meeting of the Conference held in The Bahamas in July 1993, as the basis for national consultations. They received reports on progress being made and reaffirmed the importance of continued emphasis being placed by all Member States on ensuring that the Charter received the widest discussion by CARICOM nationals, prior to its implementation. They endorsed the need for the widest possible dissemination of the provisions and aims of the Charter in order to assist in sensitising the public to its provisions.
AIR TRANSPORTATION ISSUES
Heads of Government considered the provision of regional air transportation in the context of its importance to the people of the Caribbean and to regional economies. They reviewed the issue of the reorganisation, management and privatisation of LIAT (1974) Ltd. and agreed that its management should be turned over to the Governments of Antigua and Barbuda and Trinidad and Tobago on 1 August 1994. The Shareholder Governments agreed that the existing members of LIAT’s Board of Directors shall resign by 31 July 1994, and that a new Board shall be appointed by 1 August 1994 to manage the airline. Thereupon, the current arrears to the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) shall be paid from an escrow account established in the Antigua Commercial Bank in the sum of EC $10 million.
Heads of Government further agreed that the said escrow account shall be utilised to service the debt with the CDB, and that LIAT shall continue to service, through its cash flow, all existing liabilities as of 1 August 1994 on behalf of all shareholders, who shall remain responsible for those existing liabilities. All new net liabilities incurred between 1 August 1994 and 31 March 1995 shall be the responsibility of the Governments of Antigua and Barbuda and Trinidad and Tobago. No further subventions to LIAT shall be required from shareholders.
Heads of Government agreed to consider a proposal for the privatisation of LIAT, including transitional arrangements, which shall be submitted not later than 31 January 1995 for their consideration at the subsequent Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference, and in any case not later than 31 March 1995.
Heads of Government further agreed that between 1 August 1994 and the date of privatisation, LIAT shall continue to enjoy the route rights currently assigned to it, provided that these rights are not in contravention of the provisions of the proposed Multilateral Air Services Agreement. Normal Services now provided by LIAT to Shareholder Governments will be maintained during the stated period.
Heads of Government agreed on the terms and conditions under which LIAT shall be managed and operated from 1 August 1994 until 31 March 1995.
They further agreed that an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Shareholders of LIAT shall be convened no later than 25 July 1994 to give effect to the above arrangements, and that the Secretary-General shall monitor and assist in their effective implementation.
With regard to the regulatory structure of regional aviation, Heads of Government considered a draft Multilateral Agreement which seeks to formalise the arrangements for the provision of air services by CARICOM carriers within the Community.
TOURISM ISSUES Heads of Government received two studies which the CTO was mandated to carry out, one covering the impact of tourism on the marine environment of the Caribbean and the other dealing with the need for a Regulatory Body and Licensing System to oversee the operations of cruise ships in the Caribbean Sea. They agreed to consider the studies at the next Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference.
Heads of Government agreed, given the overwhelming importance of tourism to the Region, to convene a Second Summit Meeting on Caribbean tourism in 1995 and accepted the offer of Barbados to host that Summit. They agreed to invite all potential members of the Association of Caribbean States, regional tourism organisations and other appropriate bodies, to the Summit.
MONEY LAUNDERING IN THE CARIBBEAN Heads of Government, recognising the debilitating effect of illicit drug trafficking on the social, economic and political fabric of the region, accepted the recommendation for accelerating the implementation of the regional action agenda against Drugs Money Laundering as outlined in the 1992 Kingston Declaration.
THE ASSOCIATION OF CARIBBEAN STATES
Heads of Government expressed their great satisfaction that the text of a Draft Convention establishing an Association of Caribbean States (ACS), an association originally proposed by the West Indian Commission, was initialled by the parties in Caracas, Venezuela on 29 June 1994.
They were pleased that arrangements for the establishment of the ACS, had been vigorously pursued by the Community in accordance with the decision adopted by the Conference at its Fourth Inter-Sessional Meeting in Dominica in 1993. Heads of Government are therefore looking forward to the signing of the Convention later this month which will launch new opportunities for the pursuit of collective initiatives by 40 states, countries and territories, comprising some 200 million people, united by the waters of the Caribbean.
They noted that the Association will allow the wider Caribbean region a greater potential for more adequately serving the interests of the region in the areas of economic integration and functional co-operation, and would rely on wider mutual support of existing sub-regional integration and co-operation mechanisms, and the involvement of the social partners in its activities.
Heads of Government agreed to support Trinidad and Tobago as the site for the Headquarters of the Association of Caribbean States and accepted an offer from the Government of Columbia to host the ceremony for the signing of the Convention establishing the Association of Caribbean States.
Haiti
Heads of Government again discussed the situation in the Republic of Haiti, and expressed their grave concern that, notwithstanding the numerous efforts by the international community to resolve the political crisis, the illegal regime has persistently refused the relinquish control of the governmental apparatus and to allow the constitutionally elected President of Haiti to function.
In declaring their abhorrence at the increasing acts of violence, the numerous killings, and the many violations of human rights committed against the Haitian people, Heads of Government also expressed their deep concern about the continuing exodus of persons fleeing Haiti under extremely hazardous conditions, and called on the international community to do all in its power to resolve the problem.
Heads of Government issued a special resolution on the situation in Haiti, which is attached, and restated their commitment to participate in Un-mandated efforts aimed at the removal of the illegal regime and the restoration of democracy in Haiti.
RELATIONS WITH LATIN AMERICA
Heads of Government welcomed the outcome of the negotiations with the Republic of Columbia on an Agreement on Trade, Economic and Technical Co-operation which was concluded in June 1994. They welcomed this Agreement as an opening of additional avenues for business people and investors from the Region to pursue activities with other countries within the hemisphere. They took particular note that this agreement provided special conditions for the Less Developed Countries of CARICOM.
Heads of Government recognised the continued active participation of CARICOM within the Rio Group through the representation of its interests by Trinidad and Tobago for the three years commencing January 1994, following that of Jamaica whose three-year term ended in December 1993.
Heads of Government were brought up to date by Trinidad and Tobago on the Rio Group’s deliberations in respect of issues involving the environment and sustainable development, poverty, marginalisation, administrative integrity and human rights among others, and of the Group’s support for the United States proposal to convene a Western Hemispheric Summit in Miami in December 1994, and of its preparations for participation in the United Nations Summit on Social Development in March 1995 in Copenhagen.
BELIZE/GUATEMALA RELATIONS
Heads of Government reaffirmed their unswerving support for Belize’s sovereignty, territorial integrity and security. They noted with concern Guatemala’s restatement of its claim to a part of Belize’s territory; but welcomed the Guatemalan Government’s commitment to continued recognition of, and a peaceful solution with, Belize.
Heads of Government therefore called on Guatemala to resume negotiations with Belize, so that a solution to the claim might be found on the basis of mutual respect, sovereign equality and adherence to the norms of international law.
GUYANA/VENEZUELA RELATIONS
Heads of Government considered a report ON Guyana/Venezuela relations and noted the positive state of relations which exists between the two neighbouring countries. They expressed satisfaction with the progress of the Good Offices process of the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General which aims at a peaceful and enduring resolution of the controversy. Heads of Government also noted that bilateral relations between Guyana and Venezuela are progressing normally.
Heads of Government reiterated their support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
DEVELOPMENTS IN THE BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS Heads of Government received a report from the Chief Minister of the British Virgin Islands, on impending changes to be made to the Constitution of that territory relating to the introduction of a new category of representative and the implementing of these changes before the next scheduled elections.
They expressed grave concern at the decision to change the Constitution of the British Virgin Islands without meaningful consultations with the elected representatives of the people of the territory. Heads of Government therefore urged that the British Government reconsider its approach with a view to holding discussions with the elected representatives of the British Virgin Islands so that consensus can be arrived at with respect to any proposed revision of the constitutional arrangements.
RELATIONS WITH CANADA Heads of Government reviewed the Region’s relations with Canada particularly in the context of the “special relationship” which has traditionally existed between CARICOM Member States and Canada.
They urged the deepening of this relationship through the intensification of activities in existing avenues such as those provided by the Joint trade and Economic Committee (JTEC), through CARICOM countries’ diplomatic representation in Ottawa, through more effective liaison with the many Caribbean nationals resident in Canada, and at the leadership level at regional and other international fora.
SURINAME
Heads of Government welcomed the application received from the Government of Suriname for membership of the Caribbean Community and Common Market. They reaffirmed the position taken at the Second Special Meeting of the Conference in October 1992 that membership or a special form of relationship shall be open to Suriname. They agreed to establish a review process which will include a small technical group to develop, with the Government of Suriname, under the co-ordination of the Bureau of the Conference, details with respect to both the application for membership of the Community, and the transitional arrangements with respect to membership of the Common Market. Heads of Government agreed that they would seek to make a determination of the application at the next Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference.
SOUTH AFRICA
Heads of Government welcomed the successful holding of the first multi-racial election in South Africa which took place on 26-28 April 1994, and the historic election of Mr. Nelson Mandela as President of the Republic of South Africa. They agreed that the Community would support Commonwealth and other initiatives aimed at supporting the democratic and development processes and at strengthening the administrative machinery in that country. They recognised that the new South Africa represented an area of opportunity for mutually beneficial exchanges, and in this regard, they agreed to mount a CARICOM Mission to South Africa to explore the possibilities for the development of trade, economic, social, cultural and other relations.
Heads of Government had the benefit of receiving from Chief Emeka Anyaoku, Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, a report on recent developments in South Africa.
GLOBAL ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENTS North American Free Trade Agreement Heads of Government received an interim report on a study, mandated at their Fifth Inter-Sessional Meeting in March 1994, on the implications of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) for existing and longer-term trade and economic relations of CARICOM Countries with their principal partners, its impact on the regional economy, and on possible CARICOM response to environment created by this new trade bloc. They agreed that it would be in CARICOM’s interest to negotiate an arrangement for an entry into NAFTA and that, with the involvement of the social partners, early steps were needed to ensure that the Region was adequately prepared for the process of negotiation of accession.
They reaffirmed the commitment of CARICOM Member States to approach the question of their relations with NAFTA as a unified group, while recognising that individual Member States may need different provisions and timetables to accommodate their particular interests.
Heads of Government reviewed the measures proposed under the draft UN Interim Trade Programme and welcomed this programme as a move in the right direction and as an attempt to resolve at least part of the problem, particularly in relation to apparel. They noted that the proposals do not give all that Caribbean countries had asked for. They agreed however, that the Region would further pursue improved access conditions with respect to the items listed and those currently not benefiting from the Programme, in particular petroleum products.
The Heads of Government agreed that CARICOM should work towards securing an arrangement which would provide for trade, investment flows, debt relief, financial assistance in the areas of diversification and retraining of personnel and short-term employment opportunities especially for the heavily indebted countries and the LDCs.
Bananas Heads of Government reviewed developments in the European banana market, particularly within the GATT and the European Union, as they affect the Caribbean and other ACP banana exporting countries. They recognised that notwithstanding the achievements so far, all the conditionalities surrounding the future of the Caribbean banana market have not been finally settled. They agreed to continue and intensify their lobbying campaign to save the banana industry which is the principal means of livelihood for a significant number of people in the CARICOM Region.
To this end they agreed that a High-Level CARICOM delegation should visit Europe to hold discussions on the outstanding concerns of the CARICOM countries, including the Mid-Term Review of the Lomé Convention and the Protocol on Bananas.
Lomé IV and the Mid-Term Review Heads of Government noted the launch of the negotiations of the Mid-Term Review of Lomé IV in Swaziland earlier this year, and the high level of involvement of Ministers and Ambassadors from the Caribbean in the structure established by the ACP for undertaking the negotiations. They agreed that a High-Level Caribbean delegation should visit several European capitals later this year to put forward the Region’s concerns which had been expressed at a number of CARICOM for a regarding Lomé IV, including the delay both in the implementation of approved projects and in respect of those projects of the regional programme still outstanding under Lomé I – III. Heads of Government agreed that the proposed High-Level delegation should also lobby the European Union in support of the ACP Group with respect to the immediate increase in the rum quota and abolition of the quota in 1996.
They expressed their appreciation to the Hon. George Brizan for the effective discharge of his functions as President of the ACP Council of Ministers.
ENVIRONMENTAL AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT ISSUES Heads of Government examined the results of the United Nations Global Conference on the Sustainable Development of Small Island Developing States which was held in Barbados on 25 April – 6 May 1994, and especially the Barbados Declaration and Programme of Action. While expressing satisfaction with the outcome of the Conference, they urged that the issues identified in the Barbados Declaration should become a major focus of the Community’s activities in the immediate future. They agreed to pursue these issues in the relevant national, regional and international for a in support of Small Island Developing States.
Heads of Government also deliberated on the role of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) in the Global Conference and reaffirmed that collaboration should continue among AOSIS member states with a view to exchanging information, experience and expertise, in the promotion of sustainable development. They urged the international community to support fully these efforts.
Heads of Government received a report from the President of Guyana as Head of Government responsible for Environmental Issues in which he placed special emphasis on the implications for the Region of the Global Conference and the urgent need for arrangements to be put in place to facilitate the implementation of policies and programmes for sustainable development. In this connection, they considered it imperative to utilise the restructured Global Environmental Facility (GEF II), in seeking to develop and implement environmental programmes. Action Plans developed in this context should include budgetary provision for the CARICOM Task Force on the Environment to enable it to function on a continuous basis; a special effort to identify expertise in the Caribbean and encourage the sharing of expertise regionally; support for the Chair on Sustainable Development at the Mona Campus of the UWI; sharing of equipment and other resources wherever possible to allow individual countries to carry out necessary tasks at minimum cost and greater use of institutions in the region in order to reduce dependence on extra regional sources.
Heads of Government expressed their congratulations and appreciation to the Government and people of Barbados for the efficient arrangements which resulted in the highly successful outcome of the Global Conference.
WESTERN HEMISPHERIC SUMMIT Heads of Government welcomed the proposal of the President of the United States of America to convene a Summit of Western Hemisphere Leaders in Miami in December 1994. They accepted the need for an agenda which reflected the concerns of all the participating countries. They accordingly endorsed the strategy of a consultative approach to the Summit which would involve a collective determination of the issues to be discussed. To this end, Heads of Government agreed that a Ministerial Meeting should be part of the preparatory process. They endorsed the offer of the Government of Trinidad and Tobago to host this meeting and noted with appreciation the offer of the Government of Canada to support such a meeting.
DEVELOPMENTS IN RWANDA Heads of Government expressed outrage at the continuing massacres in Rwanda, and condemned in the strongest possible terms the atrocities being committed. They urged the parties involved to cease hostilities and to respect the most fundamental of all human rights, the right to life.
Heads of Government pledged their support for the current efforts being undertaken by the United Nations to resolve this tragic conflict.
CANDIDATURES Heads of Government reiterated their support for the candidacy of His Excellency Ambassador Christopher Thomas of Trinidad and Tobago, as Assistant Secretary-General of the Organisation of American States (OAS), and of Sir George Alleyne of Barbados, as Executive Director of the Pan American health Organisation (PAHO). They also endorsed the candidature of Mr. Carl Greenidge for reappointment as Deputy Secretary-General of the ACP Secretariat.
CARICOM / UNITED NATIONS RELATIONS Heads of Government took note of the message of the Secretary-General of the United Nations (UN) brought by his Special Representative to the Fifteenth Meeting of the Conference.
They agreed on the desirability of strengthening co-operation and co-ordination between the Secretariats of the Caribbean Community and the United Nations.
They requested the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community to pursue this matter with the Secretary-General of the United Nations and report on developments to the next Meeting of the Conference.
INTERNATIONAL SEABED AUTHORITY
Heads of Government received a report from the Prime Minister of Jamaica on developments relating to the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
They noted that the Implementation Agreement for Part IX of the Convention would be open for signature on 29 July 1994 at the reconvened Forty-Eighth Session of the United Nations General Assembly and agreed that CARICOM Member States would make every effort to sign and ratify the Implementation Agreement as soon as it was opened for signature and ratification.
They also noted that the Inaugural Meeting of the International Seabed Authority would be held at its proposed Headquarters in Kingston, Jamaica, on 16 November 1994 and urged that Member States be represented at the highest level at the Inaugural Meeting of the International Seabed Authority when it convenes in Kingston, Jamaica.
CONDOLENCES
Heads of Government paid tribute to the work of Mrs. Faith Wiltshire, who died while serving with dedication and distinction as the Director of functional Co-operation in the CARICOM Secretariat. They noted that her leadership qualities, and especially her advocacy and efforts on behalf of youth and other key actors in Caribbean society were distinguishing features of her professional life.
EXPRESSION OF CONCERN
Heads of Government expressed their sorrow that his Excellency William Herbert, Permanent Representative of St. Kitts and Nevis to the OAS, along with members of his family, has been missing for three weeks. They noted the sterling contribution which he has made to the deepening of the integration movement and to the developmental process in St. Kitts and Nevis.
APPRECIATION
Heads of Government expressed their appreciation of the role played by Prime Minister Sandiford in the conduct of their Meeting which led to its successful conclusion. The extended their sincere appreciation to the Government and people of Barbados for affording them this opportunity to meet in Conference to discuss issues of monumental interest to the Region.
