The Sixteenth Inter-Sessional Meeting of The Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community was held in Paramaribo, Suriname, February 16-17, 2005 under the chairmanship of His Excellency Drs. Runaldo R. Venetiaan, President of the Republic of Suriname and Chairman of The Conference. Other Heads of Government in attendance were: The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Hon. Baldwin Spencer; the Prime Minister of Barbados, the Rt. Hon. Owen Arthur; the Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. Said Musa; the Prime Minister of Grenada, Carriacou and Petit Martinique, Dr. the Rt. Hon. Keith Mitchell; the President of Guyana, His Excellency Bharrat Jagdeo; the Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Hon. P.J. Patterson; the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas; the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves; and the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Hon. Patrick Manning. The Bahamas was represented by Hon. Fred Mitchell, Minister of Foreign Affairs. Hon. Charles Savarin, Minister of Tourism, Industry and Enterprise Development, represented the Commonwealth of Dominica, while Senator the Hon. Petrus Compton, Minister of External Affairs, International Trade and Civil Aviation represented Saint Lucia.
Opening Ceremony
At an opening ceremony held at the Congress Hall in Paramaribo, statements were made by the Secretary-General of the Community, His Excellency Edwin Carrington; the Chairman of Conference; the Immediate past Chairman, the Prime Minister of Grenada, and by His Excellency Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, who was a special guest.
In his welcoming remarks, the Secretary-General underscored the importance of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) as a mechanism to propel the Region towards overcoming its many social and economic challenges even as the Community forges alliances with other nations and regions. He heralded 2005 as the “Year of the Single Market” in keeping with the earlier decision by CARICOM Heads of Government and pointed out that the institutions being developed in the context of the CARICOM Single Market are designed to enhance the Region’s resilience and to mitigate the profound political and socio-economic consequences of the many external challenges facing the Community.
Among these challenges he pointed to a series of major natural disasters that have affected the Region and noted that in addition to putting a comprehensive disaster plan in place, the region must reaffirm its commitment to the Kyoto Protocol, which entered into force on the day of the opening of the CARICOM Meeting.
The Secretary-General also lauded Suriname on what he described as the country’s bold move to be the first to issue the CARICOM common passport utilising already agreed specifications. He thanked, on behalf of the entire Community, the Government and people of Suriname for their warm hospitality and the excellent arrangements made for the Inter-Sessional meeting.
Addressing the Opening Ceremony, the Prime Minister of Grenada expressed his country’s appreciation to the Region for its support following the passage of Hurricane Ivan, which devastated the island. He saw this support as an illustration of the true unity that exists among Member States. He also extended sympathy and solidarity to the government and people of Guyana in the wake of the disastrous floods experienced by that Member State. He also expressed appreciation for the generosity of Guyana, which despite its own, travails had allowed its military personnel to remain in Grenada to assist in its reconstruction efforts.
He indicated that Regional Governments should pledge their support for raising financing for the strategies and action plans being advanced by the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA) for disaster preparedness and mitigation of the heavy costs associated with natural disasters.
Commenting on his area of responsibility within the CARICOM quasi-cabinet, Prime Minister Mitchell said he was encouraged by progress made by the Community in establishing the Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network (CKLN), designed to harness modern technology and deliver knowledge and training to the people of the Region.
The Chairman of The Conference, H.E. R. Venetiaan reaffirmed Suriname’s commitment to the integration process within the Caribbean and said that the country stands united with all other CARICOM Member States in strengthening the societies and economies of the Community by taking and implementing measures towards integration. He disclosed that Suriname would be ready to participate in the Single Market before the end of the year and will be active in discussions on the Single Economy.
President Venetiaan said it was with satisfaction that on January 7, 2005 Suriname issued its first common CARICOM passport with all the regionally and internationally required features.
In welcoming the President of Brazil, President Venetiaan noted that historically the Caribbean countries have been oriented towards Western Europe and North America. “It is high time to realize that, besides an eastern and northern border, the Caribbean also has a southern border, and that beyond that border there is a great potential of markets, technology and culture,” he said.
Special guest at the Meeting, President Lula da Silva, shared a vision for strengthened ties between CARICOM and Brazil. He expressed the view that now is the opportune time for the establishment of solid partnerships between Brazil and CARICOM and added that his country would support a free trade agreement between MERCOSUR and CARICOM. In this regard, he said, Brazil was prepared to proceed with flexibility and generosity. He expressed the view that united, CARICOM and Brazil could build a new economic and commercial geography.
Brazil, he added, believes in multilateralism and he stressed that it was on that basis that his country had put forward a candidate for the post of Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). In seeking to be elected a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, President Lula da Silva said Brazil was guided by its belief that the Security Council should be reformed to also reflect the concerns of developing countries.
Progress in the Implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME)
The Conference reviewed the progress of Member States towards completion of implementation of the Single Market by the end of December 2005. Special commendation was given to Barbados, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago for leading the way towards becoming CSME compliant in 2005. All other Member States confirmed their expectation to follow suit by the end of December 2005 so that in 2006 there would be a single market across the Region with restrictions removed and the free movement of goods, services, capital and the approved categories of persons and the right of all CARICOM nationals to establish businesses anywhere in the Community.
Heads of Government welcomed the information that Suriname became the first Member State to introduce the CARICOM Passport. On 7 January 2005, Suriname issued its new national passport using the agreed common CARICOM design that identifies Member States as members of the Caribbean Community. A number of other Member States will take similar action during 2005.
Recognising that the new phase in the implementation of the CSME focusing on moving to the Single Economy required the full participation of the private sector and in many cases, the lead responsibility, The Conference supported the proposal from the Rt. Hon Owen Arthur, Lead Head of Government for the CSME, that this process would formally commence with a consultative session with key stakeholders in March 2005.
The Governments of Barbados, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago, by agreement, will not be depositing instruments of CARICOM Single Market readiness during the February 19 inauguration of the new permanent headquarters of the CARICOM Secretariat in Georgetown, Guyana as was previously proposed.
The three Governments indicated that they are mindful that the recent ruling of the United Kingdom Privy Council might have implications for the readiness of Jamaica to deposit its instrument of Single Market compliance at this time. The Governments of Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago, in a demonstration of solidarity with the Government of Jamaica, have expressed a preference for the instruments to be deposited at a time when all three countries that have opted for the accelerated timetable for CSME compliance, are in a position to do so together as was originally planned.
The governments reiterate that conditions for Single Market compliance having been met by the three countries, the depositing of the instruments remains a symbolic, albeit important, gesture that serves to underline the achievement of specific targets with respect to the removal of restrictions to intra-CARICOM trade and the free movement of factors of production.
Establishment of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)
The Conference took the decision to have the Caribbean Court of Justice inaugurated on the 16th April 2005, in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
The Conference noted that with the completion of the majority of the conditions precedent, the Caribbean Development Bank is now in a position to almost immediately release the US$100M to the Board of Trustees to the CCJ Trust Fund. In relation to the Fund, the Heads of Government agreed by round-robin on the Financial Regulations submitted by the Board.
With regard to recent litigation arising out of Jamaica’s enactment into law of the CCJ Agreement, The Conference approved for signature, two amending Protocols. These are, firstly, a Protocol to the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas including the CARICOM Single Market and Economy regarding the Relationship between Provisions on the Original Jurisdiction of the Caribbean Court of Justice and the Constitutions of States Parties. The second instrument is a Protocol to the Agreement establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice relating to the Tenure of Judges, Rules of Court, Financial Arrangements and Withdrawal from the Agreement as well as the Relationship between Provisions on the Original Jurisdiction of the Caribbean Court of Justice and the Constitutions of States Parties.
The first Protocol and provisions of the second permit Member States to fulfill their international obligations in a manner, which does not infringe on their national constitutions.
Given the importance of the recent litigation, The Conference also directed that an extended meeting of the Preparatory Committee be held in Jamaica within two weeks of The Conference. The meeting will analyse the Privy Council judgment, and its deliberations and conclusions are to be transmitted to the Heads of Government with recommendations.
CARICOM Passport
The Conference welcomed the initiative of the Government of Suriname as the first CARICOM Member State to issue a national passport utilizing the common CARICOM format. Other Member States have confirmed their intention to issue new national passports in the CARICOM format: St Vincent and the Grenadines by April 2005; and Antigua and Barbuda as well as Guyana by mid-year 2005.
Community Governance
The Conference considered the Report from, Dr. the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Chairman of the Prime Ministerial Expert Group on Governance. This document was based on the submissions and discussions of the Reports from the three subcommittees on: the establishment of a CARICOM Commission or some other executive mechanism; automatic transfer of resources for funding regional institutions; and the institutionalization of the Assembly of Caribbean Community Parliamentarians (ACCP) as a deliberative body. The Conference expressed its appreciation to the Chairman and Members of the Prime Ministerial Sub Committee and agreed that, as that body had fulfilled its mandate, it would be dissolved. Its recommendations would be examined by the Bureau, which, with the assistance of the Chairman of the Sub-Committee, would make concrete proposals for their implementation for consideration at their Twenty-Sixth Meeting in July 2005. These recommendations include: the establishment of a four-person Commission; the institutionalisation of the Assembly of Caribbean Community Parliamentarians to include representatives of Government and Opposition parliamentarians as full members and representatives of Civil Society as observers; and the establishment of a mechanism for automatic financing for the CARICOM Secretariat based on GNP.
Exchange of Views with Special Guests
The Heads of Government welcomed His Excellency Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil, as their specially invited guest. The President took the opportunity of the exchange of views to add his perspectives on the challenge by his country to the European Union (EU) sugar regime. He gave the assurance that by its challenge, Brazil was in no way calling into question the preferential access enjoyed by African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) sugar producing countries in the EU market. Heads of Government and President da Silva shared the view that with respect to the resumption of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) negotiations, the objective should be to obtain a balanced agreement that can be agreed by all parties. President da Silva reiterated his willingness to strengthen the integration process in the Latin American Region, which includes two CARICOM Member States. It was agreed to establish a CARICOM-Brazil technical team to discuss matters of mutual interest.
The Heads of Government thanked the Government of Brazil for its leadership role in the UN Stabilisation Force in Haiti.
Heads of Government also received European Commissioner for Development and Humanitarian Aid, Mr. Louis Michel, who set out in a comprehensive statement the objectives he will pursue in the discharge of his mandate. The exchange of views focused on several issues on the CARICOM-EU agenda including disaster preparedness and mitigation, commodities, strengthening regional integration including the implementation of the CSME, Haiti and the need for improvement in the procedures for the disbursement of development assistance from the European Union. With regard to the on-going negotiations for a Caribbean – EU EPA, the Commissioner shared the vision of the Heads that the agreement, which emerged should be an instrument of development including trade. They observed that the special CARICOM-EU relationship had evolved to a more complex and mature partnership and pledged their commitment to strengthen this relationship. The Commissioner expressed his appreciation for the opportunity to dialogue with Caribbean Heads of Government so early in his tenure.
Status of Conduct of External Trade Negotiations
The Heads of Government expressed their disappointment at the lack of meaningful progress in the WTO multilateral trade negotiations – the Doha Development Agenda – and in the efforts to resume the FTAA negotiations. They observed that the political context in which the external trade negotiations are being conducted has not been conducive for some time but hoped that would change by the middle of the year. They agreed that given the situation in the FTAA and WTO and the growing trend towards bilateral trade agreements, the Region would intensify its consideration of the possibilities and potential benefits of bilateral arrangements.
The Heads of Government observed that the negotiations between the Caribbean and the EU entered the second phase last September and noted that this phase is concentrated on reinforcing the regional integration process in the Caribbean.
The Heads anticipated that negotiations for enhanced trading arrangements with Canada will commence later in the year and noted that exploratory discussions with MERCOSUR on the possibility for closer trade relations will take place shortly.
They observed that the survival and future economic development of the Region depends on ensuring that trade rules fully take account of its objectives and adequately addresses the concerns of the Region. In small developing economies such as those in this Region the internal development processes and the dynamics in the international economy are inextricably linked. They observed that the world has changed in ways that are often inimical to the Region’s interests. Heads, therefore agreed that it was imperative for the Region to play its part in the design of the multilateral trade regime, if it is to facilitate transformation of our economies.
Bananas
Concerning the banana industry, Heads of Government took note of the ongoing process for implementing a tariff-only regime for banana imports into the EU by 1 January 2006 and CARICOM’s concerns about the need for a tariff that maintains prevailing remunerative access for Caribbean bananas into that market. Heads of Government noted that the outcome of negotiations between the EU and the Latin American banana exporting countries has been inconclusive and, as such, the EU has notified the WTO of its intention to impose a tariff of Euro 230 per tonne as of 1 January 2006. This proposed tariff level is, however, considerably below the level of Euro 275 per tonne, which CARICOM and other ACP countries have proposed. The Latin Americans have indicated that the proposed tariff of Euro 230 is too high and the matter will most likely go to WTO arbitration.
Heads of Government reiterated their position on the need for a tariff of Euro 275 and expressed grave concern for the future of the Caribbean banana industry if a tariff of Euro 230 or lower were to be implemented.
Heads also mandated a series of meetings with various interested parties, including the Dominican Republic, Brazil, the USA, the European Union and the Latin American exporting countries, in order to sensitise them to the adverse implications of loss of market access for CARICOM, should the final tariff be so low that exports of bananas to the EU would no longer be cost-effective.
In the context of both the WTO Doha Declaration of 2001 and the July 2004 Framework where development is seen as an integral part of the trade reform process, and where the concerns of small economies and those dependent on preferences have been recognised, Heads called for full recognition of the role of the banana industry in ensuring political stability, economic and human development, given the high percentage of the Region’s population that depends both directly and indirectly on banana trade and production for their survival especially in the constant fight to reduce poverty and the illicit drug production and trade in CARICOM countries.
Sugar
Heads reviewed the proposals for reform of the EU Sugar Regime which if adopted would result in an annual loss of US$90 million to CARICOM sugar producing countries. They repeated their call for a regime that was fair and equitable and reiterated their determination to intensify efforts to safeguard the vital interests of the Region in the EU market.
Heads noted the European Commission’s proposal for an Action Plan of accompanying measures to facilitate improvement of competitiveness and/or diversification subsequent to reform of the EU Sugar Regime. They reaffirmed the position shared with other ACP sugar exporting countries that while the Action Plan needed to be considered, it was secondary to the priority of achieving a fair and equitable reform of the Sugar Regime.
Heads acknowledged the decision of the Government of St. Kitts and Nevis to transform its sugar industry away from the production of raw sugar for export to the EU market and to move towards the production of value-added sugar cane based products.
Heads affirmed that action at the political level in relation to sugar had to be sustained and agreed to appoint Hon. Clement Rohee, Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation of Guyana as Ministerial Spokesperson for Sugar.
Strengthening Regional Agriculture
In recognition of the unacceptable modest results in agricultural production, the need for a new and fundamentally different approach, the frame work to be provided by CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), and the requirement for international competitiveness, the Lead Head for Agriculture has initiated the process to develop strategies to give substance to the policy framework contained in Chapter Four of the Revised Treaty which reflects the Regional Transformation Programme for Agriculture agreed by the Conference in 1996.
The initiative commenced with National and Regional Consultations driven by a vision of an agricultural sector, which by 2015 would have substantial progress toward contributing significantly to national and regional development, a transparent regulatory framework at national and regional levels, significantly transformed its processes and products, stimulated the innovative entrepreneurial capacities of the Region, and enabled the Region to achieve an acceptable level of food security.
The Conference gave support to the formulation of strategies to remove the constraints, which include limited finance and financial services, inefficient and uncoordinated risk management measures; inadequate research and development; outdated and inefficient agricultural health and food safety systems; weak land and water distribution and management systems; and inadequate transportation systems, among others.
Sustainable Development
Heads of Government received a report from Hon. Said Musa, Prime Minister of Belize and Lead Head of Government with Responsibility for Sustainable Development, regarding the outcome of the International Meeting to Review the Barbados Programme of Action (BPoA) for Small Island Developing States (SIDS) held in Mauritius from January 10-14, 2005 and of the World Conference on Disaster Reduction (WCDR) held in Kobe, Japan from 18-22 January 2005. Given the importance of sustainable development and the wide range of its implications, including disaster preparedness and mitigation, they agreed to request the Community Council to take responsibility for the follow up to these two important conferences.
Crime and Security
A comprehensive status report on the Regional Crime and Security agenda which included recommendations for the establishment of a new architecture for the management, coordination and implementation of that agenda was presented by the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Hon. Patrick Manning, as Lead Head with responsibility for this area.
The Conference agreed that regional security requires higher priority since these issues have the potential to strike at the heart of the Region’s small and fragile economies and that the ensuing damage could be irreparable.
The Conference recommended that the life of the CARICOM Task Force on Crime and Security be extended to December 2005 to allow for a further elaboration of the new architecture taking into account the more recent initiatives of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in this area.
The Conference also agreed to making firm recommendations for a new structure at the Twenty-Sixth Meeting of The Conference of Heads of Government in July 2005.
Developing a Regional Strategic Plan for Youth
The Conference, in recognition of the social and economic risks faced by young persons who constitute about 58% of the CARICOM population, reiterated their commitment to placing high priority on Youth Development in national and regional programmes. In this regard The Conference, inter alia, agreed that in the implementation of the four elements of the Regional Youth Development Strategy, priority focus must be given to youth employment applying modalities that include the strengthening of inter-ministry planning and implementation and the participation of Youth in National Councils for Human and Social Development (COHSODs). The Conference having noted the effective impact of the CARICOM Youth Ambassadors Programme in Suriname, recommended that the strengthening of these programmes be included in the institutional strengthening component of the youth development agenda.
The Conference reiterated the critical importance of culture and gender equity and development as cross cutting themes of the strategy for Human and Social Development. The Conference noted the progress being made in the implementation of programmes in these areas and re-iterated support for the research and other initiatives to be pursued in these areas. With regard to Culture, the Conference noted that in addition to contributing to social development, Culture is also expected to play a significant role in the CSME, contributing to the diversification of economies.
Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network (CKLN)
The significance of the Caribbean Knowledge and Learning Network (CKLN) and the importance of the establishment of the Council of the Foundation of the CKLN was reconfirmed by the Conference. The CKLN is expected to provide the mechanism for the flow of information, training through video conferencing, and generally enhancing learning through the use of the newer information technologies.
In this regard, an institutional strengthening programme for Tertiary Level Training Institutions is being formulated for implementation in the near future. The Conference acknowledged the financial support received so far from the Organisation of America States (OAS) and the World Bank.
Human Resource and Health
The Conference commended the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) on its achievements with respect to the implementation of the Nassau Declaration on Health and Development and in particular with respect to HIV/AIDS and the Commission on Health and Development. In noting the challenge faced with respect to Non- Communicable Diseases, other aspects of the Caribbean Cooperation in Health Initiative (CCH II) and maintaining the gains achieved so far in the health sector, the Conference re-endorsed the priority status of these areas and urged COHSOD to redouble its efforts to mobilise new resources and, to as far as possible, maintain existing levels of funding while maximizing outcomes from these resources.
With respect to HIV/AIDS, The Conference noted with satisfaction the status conferred on PANCAP as an International Best Practice, noting that PANCAP had provided a consolidated approach for CARICOM’s response to the epidemic. The Conference expressed its pleasure with the introduction of the Champions for Change Against Stigma and Discrimination of People Living with AIDS (PLWA), which was launched in November 2004; and agreed to endorse the candidature of Dr. Carol Jacobs for the position of Chairperson at the Gobal Fund for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria.
The Conference noted the initiatives undertaken at the national and regional levels in pursuance of the decisions of the Eighteen Meeting of Conference held in 1997 to achieve the target of 15 percent enrollment among the 20 -24 year old cohort at the tertiary level by 2005 as the first step towards enrollment levels comparable with developed nations. While incremental achievements were recorded in all Member States in this regard, new issues have emerged which pose significant challenges for the education and training sector. These include ensuring increased access to quality and relevant education and training; the implications of globalisation for and impact on Higher Education; and the migration of skilled workforce. In this regard, The Conference requested COHSOD to complete assessment of the education system as proposed during the retreat to be held in April 2005 with a view to submitting a comprehensive report to the Twenty-Sixth Meeting of Conference in July 2005.
West Indies Cricket
The Chair of the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Cricket presented an update on the issues that were considered at recent meetings of the Sub-Committee which included the impasse between West Indies Cricket Board (WICB) and the West Indies Players Association on the contractual arrangements for West Indian cricketers, the status of preparation for Cricket World Cup (CWC) and the proposals for the development of appropriate programmes that would contribute toward the revival of fortunes of West Indies cricket.
The Conference recorded appreciation to Justice Saunders for his expeditious handling of matters pertaining to the rights of individuals to contract their services to third parties and supported the Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee on Cricket in its discussions with all relevant parties working toward a resolution of the impasse among WICB, WIPA and commercial interests.
Heads of Government endorsed the Sub-Committee’s invitation to the University of the West Indies (UWI) to present an update of its proposals for developing and executing training programmes and modules for increasing the welfare of West Indies cricketers and other sports persons.
The importance of the CARICOM Heads remaining engaged in the process for delivering a resolution to the present impasse as well as matters pertaining to CWC 2007 and to the long-term development of West Indies cricket was recognised.
Antigua and Barbuda’s challenge to the United States in the WTO
Heads of Government indicated their support for the merits of the case presented by Antigua and Barbuda against the United States in the WTO on cross border supply of services.
Heads noted that oral hearings on the US appeal will commence next week, and highlighted that the case had implications for the provision of services across borders by CARICOM Member States, and indeed all members of the WTO.
Heads of Government were of the view that the case was a pioneering one and was instructive in many ways on how small states could defend their rights in the WTO.
Haiti
Heads of Government considered the situation on Haiti and agreed to issue a statement, a copy of which is attached.
Candidatures
Heads of Government reviewed the issue of leadership of the Organisation of American States (OAS). They reiterated their support for the CARICOM candidate for the post of Assistant Secretary-General and committed themselves to work towards a common position for the post of Secretary General.
Official Inauguration of the Headquarters of the Caribbean Community Secretariat
Heads of Government took note of the construction of a new permanent headquarters of the Caribbean Community Secretariat and expressed appreciation to the Government of Guyana. Heads of Government will travel to Georgetown to participate in the inauguration of the headquarters building on February 19, 2005.
Date and Venue of the Twenty-Sixth Regular Meeting of The Conference
Heads of Government accepted the offer of Saint Lucia to host the Twenty-Sixth Regular Meeting of The Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community during the week of 3 July 2005.
Appreciation
The Conference expressed their appreciation to the Government and People of the Republic of Suriname for their very warm hospitality and excellent conference arrangements.
Paramaribo, Suriname
17 February 2005
STATEMENT ON HAITI
Issued at the Conclusion of the Sixteenth Inter-Sessional Meeting of The Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community Paramaribo, Suriname, 16-17 February 2005.
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) remains gravely concerned by the overall situation in Haiti. Insecurity, volatility and political polarization combine with joblessness as stumbling blocks to progress.
The Community is particularly disturbed over the deteriorating human rights situation and the continuing violations of the principles laid down in the CARICOM Charter of Civil Society. Allegations of serious abuses at the hands of the police and illegally armed groups must be investigated. The indefinite detention of Lavalas leaders and activists can only be construed as arbitrary detention on the basis of political affiliation. The continuing detention of former Prime Minister Yvon Neptune is a glaring example. These persons must either be charged and brought before the courts or released forthwith. It is difficult to conceive of fair elections while the leaders and activists of a major political party remain in arbitrary detention.
The proliferation of illegally armed groups and their activities constitute a major obstacle to stability. Disarmament and reintegration must be given priority attention to create a security environment conducive to open campaigning and credible elections.
CARICOM is encouraged by the growing support in Haiti for a national dialogue for which the international community has committed its support. A successful process, which promotes reconciliation and political inclusiveness, will have a considerable positive impact on the conduct of the electoral process and on the general political situation.
The Caribbean Community reaffirms its commitment to the welfare of the Haitian people and will continue its engagement for their benefit. The Community has also consistently highlighted the importance of free and fair elections in returning Haiti to constitutional rule. The recent commencement of the electoral process with the proclamation of the electoral decree and the adoption of an electoral calendar permit CARICOM to make good on its earlier promise to contribute to the United Nations peacekeeping effort in Haiti. Consequently, technical assistance for the electoral process, an essential element of the CARICOM Assistance Programme for Haiti, will be forthcoming under the umbrella of the electoral unit of MINUSTAH.
The Community will continue to collaborate with the donor community to find the swiftest and most effective way to make good on their pledges of financial assistance to Haiti in order to address the increasing hopelessness arising from economic stagnation. To this end, the Chief Coordinator of the CARICOM Task Force will attend the meeting on Haiti in Cayenne in mid-March.
The building of democracy in Haiti and improving the lot of the ordinary Haitian constitute a complex and long-term process to which the Caribbean Community has pledged its assistance.
