The 14th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, on 14-15 February 2003. It was presided over by immediate past Chairman, H.E. Bharrat Jagdeo, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana, in the absence of the Chairman, Hon. Pierre Charles, Prime Minister of Dominica who was indisposed.
The other Heads of Government in attendance were Hon. Lester B. Bird, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda; Rt Hon. Owen Arthur, Prime Minister of Barbados; Dr the Hon. Keith C. Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada; H.E. Jean Bertrand Arisitide, President of the Republic of Haiti; the Most Hon. Percival J. Patterson, Prime Minister of Jamaica; Hon. John Osborne, Chief Minister of Montserrat; Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, Prime Minister of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis; Dr. the Hon. Kenny D.Anthony, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia; Dr. the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines; H.E. Runaldo R. Venetiaan, President of the Republic of Suriname; and Hon. Patrick Manning, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago.
The Hon. Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs, represented the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and the Hon. Francis O. Riviere, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Marketing, represented the Commonwealth of Dominica in the absence of the Chairman. His Excellency Ambassador Lawrence Sylvester, Ambassador of Belize to the Caribbean Community, represented Belize.
The Republic of Cuba and the Dominican Republic were special invitees to the Conference and were represented by their Ambassadors to Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica, respectively.
OPENING CEREMONY
Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community, Mr. Edwin W. Carrington, in his introductory remarks at the Opening Ceremony, reminded the audience that the Community was celebrating its 30th Anniversary – a pearl anniversary. He issued a call for the 30th Anniversary year to be the year of implementation with the “CARICOM Single Market and Economy, including the Caribbean Court of Justice, leading the way.”
The Hon. Patrick Manning, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, in addressing the Ceremony, stated that the present global economic liberalisation and the proliferation of regional economic and trading blocs, demand that the CSME be implemented as a priority. Trinidad and Tobago committed itself to become CSME-ready in one year.
He further stated that, “I now formally put on the table Trinidad and Tobago’s intention to enter into discussion with any Caribbean country willing to pursue with us the objective of Caribbean Political Integration.”
Prime Minister Manning also reiterated Trinidad and Tobago’s proposal to establish a natural gas pipeline across the Region.
His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo, President of Guyana, pointed out in his statement, that the world continued to live in uncertain times. He observed that:
“With the clouds of war gathering once again over the Middle East, we cannot safely predict the future. Yet, we must steel ourselves for any eventuality and hold fast to the course which we set for ourselves three decades ago. The peoples of the Region will expect no less of us. We must not fail them.”
The Most Hon Percival J. Patterson, Prime Minister of Jamaica, drew upon his years of experience in the regional movement and renewed before his colleagues his “sacred pledge to play my part in the fulfillment of that mission which inspired our Founding Fathers at Chaguaramas.”
He added: “Our situation no longer permits time just for talking. It is high time for action here and now. In today’s world there is no question of simply standing still. Just to mark time is to be left behind. We have to put more runs on the board and quicken the pace of scoring. Otherwise we will certainly lose the game. Time is running out. ‘Carpe diem’ – let us the seize the moment now.”
Hon. Pierre Charles, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica and Chairman of Conference, had his statement read by the Hon. F.O. Riviere, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Marketing of Dominica. In the statement, the Chairman said there was an unfinished Agenda of issues on which action needed to be taken. He singled out the “unfinished work on the CARICOM Single Market and Economy,” and added:
“I would have done well as Chairman if during my tenure, our Community can bring the CCJ to fruition. It is about time that we do this. We owe it to ourselves; we owe it to our people whose faith in the CARICOM project can do with the added sustenance that such an accomplishment will provide.”
The Chairman said that it is in the action areas of free movement of persons, rights of establishment, provision of services and capital that the people of the Region could feel the effects of the Community. It is in these areas that project CARICOM touches the lives of people other than the government representatives.”
Conferment of the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC)
The Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC) was conferred on three Caribbean Nationals – Dame Mary Eugenia Charles, Sir John Compton and Mr. Lloyd Best – for their outstanding contribution to the regional process. The conferment took place during the Opening Ceremony. Sir John Compton responded on behalf of all the recipients.
INTERNAL MATTERS
The CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME)
The Conference recognised the urgent need for the CSME to be established as early as possible given the agreed timetable for the entry into force of the FTAA.It agreed that December 2005 must be the latest date for implementing the defining elements of the CSME and that those Member States which are able to proceed with implementation, should do so by December 2004.
The Conference accepted the Work Programme for the implementation of the CSME by 2005 and agreed that special attention needed to be focused on meeting the technical and financial assistance needs of Member States and the CSME Unit of the Secretariat over the period. Emphasis was placed on the absolute necessity for the convergence of the efforts of all Regional institutions and for all stakeholders to be involved and prepared, particularly the private sector.
As its strategy to expedite implementation, the Conference accepted the proposals of the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on the CSME that the focus leading up to the Twenty-Fourth Meeting of the Conference in July 2003 must be on completing the outstanding matters relating to the free movement of persons and embarking upon the enormous legal agenda required to effect implementation of the CSME.
The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)
The Conference received a report from the President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) that the Board of that institution had agreed to the Bank’s intervention on the international capital markets to raise US$96 million to capitalise the Trust Fund for the Court, with the remaining US$4 million sourced from the Bank’s Special Fund resources.
The Conference placed on record its appreciation to the Board of the Bank, the President and staff for efforts expended to secure approval of the proposal.
Against the background of the foregoing, the Conference approved measures aimed at establishing the Regional Judicial and Legal Services Commission. Additionally, the Conference authorised the setting up of a high level task force to commence work on the inauguration of the Court.The Conference reaffirmed that inauguration should occur no later than the second half of 2003.
The Agreement establishing the CCJ was signed by Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, thus bringing to thirteen the number of countries that have signed this Instrument.
Reviving the Regional Economy
The Conference reviewed efforts to revive the regional economy. Given its central importance to the well-being of the peoples of the Caribbean, it gave this item a great deal of attention, particularly as five Member States failed to achieve positive GDP growth in the years 2002 and 2003. The Conference felt that the immediate future did not hold much better prospects owing to the effects of the sharply rising oil prices and the even greater dislocation that an outbreak of war in Iraq would have on tourism and other sectors.
With respect to the need for short-term stabilisation of the regional economy, the Conference dealt with the Report of the Committee of Central Bank Governors on the establishment of a stabilisation fund of US$50 million initial capital in the first year, rising to US$180 million within five years. A final decision on this matter will be made after the Meeting of the ECCB Monetary Council on 28 February 2003.
With respect to stabilising the Dominican economy, the Conference was informed that the programme was on track and that most of the financial assistance promised by CARICOM countries had been delivered thus acting as a vital complement to domestic efforts and support from the IMF and other international financial institutions.
With regard to the long-term process of regional economic transformation, a prerequisite for reducing vulnerability to internal shocks, a regional transformation task force led by the private sector, reported to Conference on the progress being made on the activities of the four working groups on: upgrading industry competitiveness; improving the business environment; financial mobilisation for infrastructure development; and strategic planning for sustained economic growth.
Finally, as part of the strategy for financing regional economic transformation, a technical team under the chairmanship of the President of the CDB reported on its findings that there were over US$2 billion of undisbursed resources available to the Region. Some of the constraints with respect to the drawing down of these resources were identified.
Crime and Security
The Conference noted the progress made by the CARICOM Task Force on Crime and Security, particularly the ongoing work on the causes of crime, illicit drugs and their links to crime, the impact of deportees on the escalating rate of crime, trafficking in illicit arms, and the formulation of a policy for getting guns off the streets. It agreed that the Association of Caribbean Commissioners of Police (ACCP) must be recognised and institutionalised as an agency of the Community, reporting to a Joint Committee of Attorneys-General and Ministers responsible for National Security.
The Conference also agreed on mechanisms for the effective sharing of information and intelligence; and for a rapid response mechanism using the Regional Security System (RSS) as a core. It also agreed to incorporating a series of Memoranda of Understanding between the RSS and non-RSS countries to enable collective expertise from the Region to be directed to provide assistance to Member States in operational security issues. In addition, it was agreed that a regional plan for a coordinated response to crime be completed to provide a framework for regional collaboration and support from the international community. In the context of the quest to establish an effective CSME, Heads of Government felt that it was necessary to reconcile the requirements of security and hassle-free travel and to develop a separate set of regulations on the informal sector so as to bolster alternative economic opportunities by the provision of resources and institutional support.
The Conference agreed to convene a high level meeting between the Caribbean Community and the international community to review drug control policies.
The Conference urged Member States that had not yet established national commissions on law and order, to do so, reflecting broad based representation and to ensure their effective functioning.
Caribbean Agricultural Research and Development Institute (CARDI)
The Conference reaffirmed the importance of a more diversified and competitive agricultural sector to the restructuring of the Caribbean economy. In this context, they agreed to continue support to a fully restructured CARDI with a new mission and strategic focus.
Proposed CARICOM ICT Strategy
The Conference received a presentation on the Proposed CARICOM ICT Strategy (Agenda 2003 and Platform for Action), which had been considered and endorsed by Ministers of Information, Communication and Technology at their Second Special Meeting, in Georgetown, Guyana, on 5-7 February 2003. The Conference endorsed, in principle, the approach taken in the ICT Agenda and Platform of Action. It agreed that the Proposed CARICOM ICT Strategy (Agenda 2003 and Platform for Action) would be considered by a sub-committee comprising the Lead Heads of Government with responsibility for Services and Information and Communication Technology – the Hon. Prime Ministers of Antigua and Barbuda and Grenada, respectively – and the Secretariat, to examine the details of the proposed strategy with a view to submitting recommendations for its consideration at its 24th Meeting in July, 2003. The Conference also agreed that that Sub-Committee would explore sources of funding for future implementation of the CARICOM ICT Strategy (Agenda 2003 and Platform for Action).
Energy
The Conference received a report from the Government of Trinidad and Tobago on the state of the energy industry, including petroleum products and natural gas, in that country. It also reviewed the implications of fluctuating energy prices on the economies of the other Member States. It agreed to establish a Task Force to develop elements of a regional energy policy in time for consideration at their next Meeting. The policy should include issues such as security of energy supplies, and pricing and procurement arrangements.
The Task Force will comprise representatives of Barbados, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago.
Developments in Haiti
The Conference noted the recent reports of the Organisation of American States (OAS) informing that the political, economic and security environment in Haiti had degenerated.It also noted that a high-level delegation, jointly led by the Minister of External Affairs of Saint Lucia and the Assistant Secretary General of the OAS will shortly visit Haiti to emphasise the need for implementation of OAS Resolution 822 of September 2002, in particular the establishment of a Provisional Electoral Council and a secure environment for the facilitation of elections in 2003. It expressed full support for the goals of the high-level delegation.
Consultation on Options for Governance to Deepen the Integration Process
The Conference commended the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago for having taken the initiative to convene a Consultation on Options for Governance to Deepen the Integration Process on 13 February 2003 which benefitted from the participation of Governments, civil society, professional organisations and eminent West Indians.
The Conference agreed to establish an Expert Group to carry the process forward by undertaking an examination of the proposals submitted and to make recommendations on how best to perfect regional integration. The Conference also agreed that the Expert Group would be chaired by the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and would also include the Prime Ministers of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago, who would be assisted by technical staff as well as other experts. The recommendations of the Expert Group would be presented at its 24th Meeting in July 2003.
EXTERNAL MATTERS
The Conference had an exchange of views with His Excellency Jan Kavan, President of the 57th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA). The discussions centred around topical issues on the Agenda of the United Nations, particularly those of interest to small states.
External Economic Relations
The Conference reviewed the status of negotiations in the World Trade Organisation, those between the ACP and the European Union and for the creation of the FTAA. It recognized that in each theatre the negotiations had entered into a new and more complex phase with fast approaching deadlines and more intricate technical discussions.It noted that these developments posed severe challenges to the limited human, financial and technical resources of the Region especially in view of the Region’s need for consistency across the various negotiations. The Conference reiterated its instructions to CARICOM negotiators to continue their advocacy and to submit proposals in keeping with the need to ensure that the special needs of small economies and in particular the smallest countries in CARICOM are accommodated in the various negotiations.
With respect to the FTAA, the Conference called for a High level Meeting in the Hemisphere to take stock and to review the scope and pace of the negotiations.
With respect to the ACP-EU negotiations, the Conference reiterated the necessity for the unity and solidarity of the ACP group to be maintained and the importance of advancing the preparations for the Region’s negotiations with the European Union which should commence later in 2003 for a Regional Economic Partnership Agreement.
The Conference reviewed developments in the negotiations with Costa Rica and the steps towards enhancing trade arrangements with Canada. It agreed to explore with MERCOSUL the latter’s offer of an asymmetric partial scope trade agreement in favour of CARICOM.
Sugar
The Conference expressed its profound concern over the threats to the Sugar Protocol and the Special Preferential Sugar Agreements under which CARICOM countries export sugar to the European Union, resulting from challenge by Australia and Brazil in the WTO to the European Union Sugar Regime.
It stressed the adverse political, economic and social consequences for the CARICOM countries concerned and recalled the experience of the banana challenge and its disastrous fallout for the economies of the banana producing countries in the Region.The Conference expressed its strong support for the position of ACP countries which export sugar to the European Union and reiterated the call for Australia and Brazil to withdraw their challenges.
BORDER ISSUES
Belize/Guatemala
The Conference received an update on recent developments in Belize/Guatemala relations.
The Conference welcomed the conclusion of the OAS-supported facilitation process which resulted in the submission on 16 September 2002, of a comprehensive set of proposals which provide a solid basis for a peaceful, just and definitive resolution to the long-standing border dispute.
The Conference noted the signature on 7 February 2003, of an agreement between Belize and Guatemala which established a transition period and put in place confidence building measures designed to maintain peace, stability and neighbourly relations between the parties, pending the final settlement of the territorial dispute.
The Conference called on the international community to offer support to the parties and to the OAS in the fulfillment of the process.
The Conference reaffirmed its support for the maintenance of Belize’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
Guyana/Venezuela
The Conference reaffirmed its support for Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity as well as its right to develop all of its territory.
With regard to the controversy arising from Venezuela’s claim to almost two thirds of Guyana’s territory, the Conference noted with satisfaction that the parties remain committed to the Good Officer process under the aegis of the United Nations Secretary General to assist in the search for a peaceful solution.
The Conference also noted the progress made by the two countries, within the High Level Bilateral Commission established by them, towards closer economic and technical cooperation.
The Conference reaffirmed its support for the maintenance of Guyana’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.
The Association of Caribbean States (ACS)
The Conference reiterated the Community’s support for the Association of Caribbean States whose establishment had been the initiative of the Community and agreed that the ACS continues to constitute the best forum for strengthening the Region’s relations with the countries of the wider Caribbean and should be preserved and strengthened through full participation.
Rio Group
The Conference agreed that Guyana would continue to represent the Region in the Rio Group.
Proposals for the Convening of an Inter-Sessional Summit of the Americas
The Conference noted growing support for the proposal made by Prime Minister Jean Chrétien of Canada for the convening of an Inter-Sessional Summit of the Americas and agreed that Heads of Government would participate in such a Summit and inform the Canadian Prime Minister of this position.
CANDIDATURES
The Election of Mr. Karl Hudson-Phillips of Trinidad and Tobago to the International Criminal Court
The Conference extended sincere congratulations of the Caribbean Community to eminent Caribbean criminal lawyer Mr. Karl Hudson-Phillips, Q.C., on his election to the International Criminal Court (ICC). His election as a member of the first panel of judges on the Court represents a significant regional accomplishment symbolising the role played by President Arthur N.R. Robinson of Trinidad and Tobago in the Court’s establishment.
The Conference reiterated the full support of the Community for the functioning of the Court.
Support for Saint Lucia’s Candidature for the Presidency of the UNGA 2003-2004
The Conference welcomed the endorsement by the GRULAC of Saint Lucia’s candidature for the post of President of the UNGA for the period 2003-2004. It recognised the regional dimension of this candidacy and pledged its full support. The Government of Saint Lucia, in expressing its gratitude to the Community considered it an honour to represent the Region in this capacity.
Support for Ambassador John Ashe as Chairman/CEO of the GEF
The Conference agreed to support the candidacy of Ambassador John Ashe of Antigua and Barbuda for Chairman/CEO of the Global Environmental Facility (GEF). A selection process to fill this post has already begun and a recommendation will go before the GEF Council in May 2003.
The Organisation for Economic Cooperation for Development (OECD)
The Conference expressed the view that a level playing field no longer existed on the matter of the harmful tax competition initiative of the OECD due to recent action by European Ministers exempting certain European jurisdictions from compliance with the same requirements being forced on non-OECD members.
The Conference endorsed the call for an early meeting of the OECD Global Tax Forum to determine the future of this matter; and agreed to consult the Secretary-General of the Commonwealth on possible ways forward in resolution of this impasse.
Iraq
The Conference considered the situation with regard to Iraq and issued a statement which is attached to this Communique.
Developments in Venezuela
The Conference noted recent developments in the situation in Venezuela and reiterated its support for the principles of constitutional order, the rule of law and respect for the democratic process in that country. It called on both sides to exercise restraint and to explore all peaceful means to resolve the crisis.
The Conference reiterated its support for the initiatives being taken by the OAS Secretary General with the assistance of the recently constituted Group of Friends to resolve the situation peacefully and within the constitutional framework of the country.
30th Anniversary Celebrations of the Caribbean Community
The 30th Anniversary of the Caribbean Community was formally launched at a cultural extravaganza showcasing the diverse talents of the Region at the Learning Resource Centre of the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine Campus, on 13 February 2003. The Theme for the year “Integration: Our Key to Prosperity” was officially unveiled.
A CARICOM Torch of Unity was lit by the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and handed over to Mr. Ian Morris, former Olympian athlete of Trinidad and Tobago. The Torch will traverse the Member States and Associate Members of CARICOM and will be handed over to the Chairman of the Conference at the 24th Meeting of the Conference.
The first in the Distinguished Lecture Series was delivered by Dr. the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minster of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, on 12 February on the topic “Our Caribbean Civilisation and its Prospects”
Port-of-Spain
15 February 2003
STATEMENT ON IRAQ
Heads of Government considered the situation developing over Iraq and expressed their profound concern at the escalation of global tensions and their grave implications for the preservation of international peace and security. They were deeply troubled over the humanitarian tragedy that an outbreak of war would bring about and the disastrous effects which it would have on global economic stability.
Heads of Government emphasized that no State should have the right to foster the development of weapons of mass destruction in any form including chemical and biological agents. They recalled >that the Security Council had compelled Iraq to cease the development and production of weapons of mass destruction and has obligated it to give total access to the UN Weapons Inspectors to verify its compliance with Security Council resolutions.
The Heads appealed to Iraq to cooperate fully with all the requirements of UNMOVIC and the IAEA Inspectors, and to fulfil its commitments to the United Nations and the international community in this regard. They were convinced that Iraq’s full and transparent implementation of Security Council Resolution 1441 would contribute to the easing of tensions and would strengthen the capacity of the United Nations to bring about a peaceful resolution of the situation.
The Heads reiterated that the United Nations through its Security Council has been charged with the responsibility for maintaining international peace and security. They were therefore deeply disturbed at the prospect of the use of military force in Iraq without the endorsement of the United Nations Security Council and in the absence of a final conclusion by the UN weapons inspectors that Iraq is in material breach of Security Council Resolution 1441.
Heads were in total support of the position taken by the UN Secretary General that “ this is an issue not for any one state alone, but for the international community as a whole”. In this connection they stressed that any unilateral action taken outside of a UN Security Council mandate would undermine the integrity of the United Nations, and considerably weaken the multilateral system and its machinery for preserving peace and security .
Heads were firmly opposed to the use of armed force at a time when it is clear that diplomatic efforts have not yet been exhausted, and the UNMOVIC and IAEA Inspectors are reporting some progress and formally requesting more time to complete their work. They believed that it was essential for all states to support the work of the Inspectors and to create the conditions to allow them to fulfil their mandate.
The Heads urged the Government of the United States and its military allies on this issue to exercise restraint in their approach to this complex international crisis. They expressed particular anxiety at the consequences a war would have not only for the region of the Middle East, but for the entire world, and the disproportionate burden that would be borne by small developing states , including those in the Caribbean, which are ill-prepared to cope with the impact of a global recession provoked by volatile oil prices, severe dislocation to their vital tourism and financial services sectors, and falling levels of investment.
The Heads of Government reaffirmed the commitment of the Caribbean Community to a just world order based on respect for the rule of law and social justice, and guaranteeing peace, security and sustainable development for all. They remained committed to international efforts to combat terrorism. They also remained convinced that diplomacy and dialogue present the most enlightened approach to building understanding and resolving conflicts in a modern and interdependent world.
