COMMUNIQUE ISSUED AT THE CONCLUSION OF THE TWENTY-FOURTH MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF GOVERNMENT OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY, 2-5 JULY 2003, MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA

The   24th Meeting   of  the   Conference    of  Heads   of  Government    of  the   Caribbean

Community   (CARICOM)   was  held  in Montego  Bay,  Jamaica,  on 2 –  5 July  2003  and coincided  with the so” Anniversary  of the Community.

It was  presided   over  by  the  Most  Han  Percival   J  Patterson,   ON,  Prime  Minister   of Jamaica  and  Chairman   of the  Conference   of  Heads  of Government   of the  Caribbean Community.

Other  Heads  of Government   in attendance  were  Han.  Lester  B. Bird,  Prime  Minister  of Antigua  and  Barbuda;  Han. Perry  Christie,  Prime Minister  of the Commonwealth   of The Bahamas;  Rt. Han.  Owen  Arthur,  Prime  Minister  of  Barbados;   Han.  Said  Musa,  Prime Minister   of  Belize;   Han.   Pierre   Charles,   Prime   Minister   of  the   Commonwealth    of Dominica;   Dr.  the  Han.  Keith  C.  Mitchell,   Prime  Minister   of  Grenada;   H.E.  Bharrat Jagdeo,  President  of the Cooperative   Republic  of Guyana;  H.E. Jean-Bertrand   Aristide,

President  of the  Republic  of  Haitt~.         John  Osbourne,   Chief  Minister  of Montserrat;

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Han. Dr. Denzil  Douglas,  Prime Minister  of the Federation  of St. Kitts and  Nevis;  Dr. the

Han.  Kenny  D. Anthony,   Prime  Minister  of Saint  Lucia;  Dr. the  Han.  Ralph  Gonsalves, Prime   Minister   of   St.  Vincent   and   the   Grenadines;    H.E.   Runaldo    R.  Venetiaan, President  of the Republic  of Suriname;  and Han. Patrick  Manning,  Prime Minister  of the Republic  of Trinidad  and Tobago.

Representing the  Associate  Member  States were  Hon. Jennifer  Smith,  Premier of Bermuda, Hon. Orlando Smith, Chief Minister of the British Virgin  Islands, and Hon. Derek Taylor, Chief Minister of the Turks and Caicos Islands.  The Hon. Victor Banks, Minister of Finance represented Anguilla.

YOUTH  PARTICIPATION

Heads of  Government welcomed  the  presence of the  Dean and Vice  Dean of the CARICOM Youth  Ambassadors  as  well  as the  Youth  Ambassadors  from  Jamaica representing the youth of the Community during their deliberations.

OPENING  CEREMONY

In his introductory remarks at the Opening Ceremony, Mr. Edwin W. Carrington, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community, pointed out on its 30th  Anniversary that CARICOM was the longest existing integration movement among developing countries in the world.   This, he said was a tribute to the tenacity of the Caribbean people and their leaders as well as an innate recognition of the necessity of integration.

In his address, the outgoing Chairman of the Conference Hon. Pierre Charles, Prime Minister 01 Dominica, remarked that while we celebrate  the 30th   Annive~            our Caribbean  Community:  “let  us  envisage  a  region  that  will  be  the               y  of interdependency.   For it is only by merging our resources, our talents, our people, our

voices  that  we  will  be  true  to  the  theme  of  our  so” Anniversary  celebrations:

INTEGRA TION –  OUR KEY  TO PROSPERITY.”

The  Most Hon. Percival J.  Patterson,  Prime Minister  of Jamaica, the  Chairman of

Conference, said that if regional  integration were  an  option  before, it was  now an absolute imperative.   “That is the situation in which we meet here to celebrate the so” Anniversary of CARlCOM.   It is time for celebration of the largest measure of unity the

Caribbean has ever known.   It is no small achievement.   And let us be quite specific. It was not an achievement of political directorates alone; it was very purposefully an achievement of Caribbean people.  For they have never wavered in their perceptions of Caribbean oneness”.

Hon. Said Musa, Prime Minister of Belize stated in his address that integration had been CARlCOM's best hope for survival.    “As we continue to advance this great work we must  ensure  that  the  structures  we  build  and  the  results  we  achieve  are  indeed designed to improve the welfare of the Caribbean man and woman.”

The Rt. Hon. Owen Arthur, Prime Minister of Barbados, in giving an overview of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, stated that at the end of the day, the CSME was intended to give rise to more competitive economies and its implementation must be guided by the precept that it was enterprises and not Governments which competed. “We must use the CSME therefore to evolve more competitive companies.”   He quoted former Jamaican Prime Minister Norman Manley in pointing out that “great causes are not won by doubtful men”.    Prime Minister Arthur added that “now is not the time to doubt ourselves.”

The President of South Africa, Thabo Mbeki, who is also President of the African Union, was a special guest at the Opening Ceremony.  He stressed the vanguard role played by the Caribbean in the fight against apartheid and issued an invitation to the Heads of Government of the Community to attend the 10th  Anniversary of post apartheid South Africa in 2004.   Heads of Government welcomed the invitation.

Another highlight of the Opening Ceremony was the handing over of the Torch of Unity by  Usain  Bolt,  the  World  Junior  Sprint  Champion  of  Jamaica,  to  Prime  Minister Patterson, Chairman of the Conference.     The Torch had traversed the  15 Member States of the Community and was carried by over 300 hundred runners.

The     texts     of    the     speeches      can     be    found     on    the     CARICOM     Website

(http://www.caricom.org).

SIGNING  OF AGREEMENTS

The  Premier  of  Bermuda,   Hon.  Jennifer   Smith,  signed  the  Instruments   of  Accession making  Bermuda  the fifth (5th)  Associate  Member  State of the Caribbean  Community.

Heads  of Government  witnessed  the signing  by the President  of Haiti of the  Instrument of Accession  to the Revised Treaty  of Chaguaramas.

They   also  witnessed   the  signing   of  a  Memorandum    of  Understanding    between   the

CARICOM  Secretariat  and the Food and Agricultural  Organisation.

The  CARl COM Secretariat   and the World  Trade  Organisation   Secretariat  also  signed  a

Cooperation  Agreement.

MESSAGES

Messages   were   received   from  the  Governments   of  Cuba,  the  Democratic   People's Republic   of   Korea,   the   Dominican    Republic,    Peru,   The   Russian   Federation    and Venezuela   as well  as from  the  Secretary-General    of the  United  Nations.     A  message was also received  from the International  Consortium  of Caribbean  Professionals   (ICCP).

AWARD  OF ORDER  OF JAMAICA  (OJ) TO SECRETARY-GENERAL

Heads  of Government   applauded   the conferment   of the  Order  of Jamaica  (OJ)  by the Government   of Jamaica  on Mr. Edwin  Carrington,   Secretary-General    of the  Caribbean Community,   for  his  outstanding   contribution   to  regional   integration.       The  Order  of

Jamaica   is  the  highest   national   order  that  can  be  conferred   by  Jamaica   on  a  non- national.

CARIBBEAN    EXAMINATION   COUNCIL  (CXC) AT  '30'

Heads   of   Government    acknowledged    the   achievements    of  the   CXC   and   offered congratulations   to that  Institution  on its 30th  Anniversary.      They  noted  in particular  the invaluable    role   played   by  the   Council   in  administering    the   Caribbean    Secondary Education   Certificate   and  the  expansion   of  its  role  particularly   with   respect   to  the

introduction   of the  Caribbean   Advanced   Proficiency   Examination   process.      Heads  of Government   reaffirmed  the commitment   of their  Governments   to the strengthening   and growth  of CXC  as a regional  examination   body.     (A full  statement  from  the  Council  of Human  and  Social  Development   (April  2003)  approved   by  Heads  of  Government   is attached).

CARICOM  SINGLE  MARKET  AND  ECONOMY  (CSME)

Heads  of  Government   stressed  the  urgency  in implementing   the  key  elements  of the CSME   providing    for   cross-border    free   movement    ahead   of   the   scheduled    2005 deadline.   This  they  deemed  to  be  particularly   important   since  at  this  implementation phase   it  is  necessary    to  focus   on  the   Region's    production    sectors   and   support institutions    including   the   requisites   for   establishing    the   enabling    environment    for competitiveness.

As   evidence   of  their   recognition    that   it  cannot   be  business   as  usual,   Heads   of

Government   have taken  the necessary  action to enable  them to declare  that effective  1

August   2003,  there  will  be  free  movement   of  graduates,   media  workers,   musicians, artistes  and  sports  persons  to work  across  the  Region.  CARICOM   nationals   in these categories         will  have  the  right  to  enter  any  Member   State  for  six  months   in  the  first

instance  and to work  in that  Member  State  consistent  with  the  criteria  and  procedures which  have been agreed and which will be posted on the CARICOM  web site.

Over the next several  months,  arrangements   to give effect  to the free  movement  of the new   categories    of   self   employed    CARICOM    nationals    establishing    businesses, providing  services,  moving  capital,  and their managerial,  technical  and supervisory  staff and spouses  and immediate  dependent  family  members,  will be finalised.   This will take into account  the  Programmes  established   by the  Conference   setting  out the time  lines of December  2003, 2004 and 2005 for the removal  of remaining  restrictions.

To    ensure   the   smooth    and   effective    implementation     of   the   CSME,    Heads   of Government  accepted  the offer of Barbados  to host a Third  Special  Consultation  on the CSME  and  also  agreed  to  address  CSME  issues  when  they  meet  in Special  Session later this year.

Free Movement  of People

Heads  of Government   recommitted  themselves  to hassle-free  movement  of the people of the Region  in order to promote  a greater  sense  of community.     They  urged  Member State  to ensure  that  this  spirit  of community   is engendered   at all ports  of entry  in the Community.

Caribbean  Court of Justice

The Twenty-Fourth   Meeting  reaffirmed  the decision  that the Caribbean  Court of Justice (CCJ) will be inaugurated  before the end of 2003 as agreed  at its Twenty-Third   Meeting. In that regard  Member  States were  urged to complete  the internal  legislation  necessary to facilitate  the  original  and  appellate  jurisdiction   of the  Court.   The  Conference   noted that the High Level Task  Force had begun meeting  and was engaged  in putting together the  programme   of  pre-inauguration   activities  as well  as  activities  for  the  inauguration itself.  The  Conference  determined  that  the  date  for  the  inauguration  would  be announced later.

Earlier in the historic ceremony the MS in a position to do so signed the Instruments relating to  the  Court thus  ensuring the  completion  of  the  legal framework for  the inauguration of the Court.

The following instruments in relation to the Caribbean Court of Justice were signed by

Heads of Government:

1. Protocol on the privileges and the immunities of the Caribbean Court of justice and the Regional Judicial and Services Commission.
2. Protocol to the agreement establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice
3. The agreement establishing the Caribbean Court of Justice Trust Fund.
4.    Vesting deed of the Caribbean Court of Justice Trust Fund.

REVIVING  AND REPOSITIONING   THE REGIONAL  ECONOMY

Heads of Government noted the  effort of  Dominica to sustain the  macro-economic measures it had made to stabilise its economy. They urged Member States to continue to provide financial and technical assistance to Dominica.

Heads of Government placed great emphasis on the search for mechanisms to revive and reposition the regional economy.  In that context, they reaffirmed their decision to establish the Regional Stabilisation Fund with an initial capital of US$50M, increasing to US$180M within five years.  Twelve Member States have made commitments to thecapital of the Fund.  Heads of Government requested the Caribbean Development Bank to assume day-to-day management of the Fund.

Heads of Government welcomed the pledge of Trinidad and Tobago to provide US$16M to the Trinidad and Tobago Support Fund as an initial contribution to the Caribbean Development Fund for Disadvantaged Countries, Regions and Sectors.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

Recognising the vast ICT potential for enhancing and integrating the Region, as well as driving its trade and economic agendas, Heads of Government adopted the CARICOM ICT/Connectivity   Agenda  2003 and Platform  for Acton.  They embraced the regional strategic approach to development of a sector/industry founded on universal access, utilisation and production of relevant content.  The strategy also provided an opportunity for trade and other relevant development issues to be raised in pursuit of ICT benefits. Heads of Government declared education and targeted  development of  ICT export- oriented services industry, based on a research and development agenda, as a high priority for universal impact and innovation.

Heads  of   Government  endorsed   the   Internet-based    Radio   network    –    Radio CARICOM dedicated to public service broadcasting, and which would seek to bring the people of the Region closer to the work of the Region through this medium.

Heads of Government commended the role of the Secretariat in defining the Agenda and  requested that  it continue to collaborate with  Community  institutions and other organisations towards maximizing the benefits of ICT to the Community.

THE  HURRICANE  FORECAST

Heads    of   Government     appealed    to   Member    States    to   assess    their    state    of preparedness    for  national   disaster   and  to  review   local  arrangements    for  financing emergency   response   and  relief.       Member   States  were   also  encouraged   to  adopt Comprehensive   Disaster  Management   (CDM) strategies  to minimize  potential  losses.

Heads  of  Government   also  took  cognizance   of the  recommendations    of  CDERA  that consideration   be  given  to  the  reinvigoration   and  activation   of  the  CARICOM   Working Group  on insurance  and reinsurance.

EXCHANGES  WITH  SPECIALLY  INVITED  GUESTS

Heads   of  Government   welcomed   the  participation    of  the  President   of  Chile  in  the observance   of  the  30th   Anniversary    of  the  Community.      In  their  exchange   with  the President,  Heads of Government  welcomed  the President's  call for CARICOM  and Chile to  work  together   to  achieve   common   positions   on  issues  in  the  international   arena. Heads   of  Government    expressed   appreciation    for  the  positive   stand   taken   by  the Government   of Chile on the treatment  of the concerns  of small  economies   in the  FTAA and WTO  negotiations  and in particular  welcomed  the readiness  of Chile to give special consideration   to CARICOM  countries  in the area  of market  access  in the  FTAA as well as  the  restructuring   of  the  global  financial   system   and  debt  relief.  They  expressed appreciation   for  Chile's  technical   cooperation   programmes   with  the  Region  and  also welcomed   offers  made  by Chile  to assist  the  Region  in the  area  of security  and  in its aim to reduce  poverty  and to improve  the effective  management   of its fight  against  the HIV/AIDS  pandemic.

Dominican  Republic

Heads of Government welcomed the reaffirmation by the President of the Dominican Republic of his commitment to the development of a closer relationship between his country and the Caribbean.   The President issued an invitation to the leaders of the region, to attend the Pan American Games in August 2003 and to their spouses to attend the Conference of First Ladies in October 2003.

Relations  with the French Overseas Departments  (DOMs)

Heads of Government were pleased to welcome the Vice President du Conseil Regional of  Guadeloupe to  the  Conference. They  were  encouraged  by  the  relations, which already exist between the French DOMs and some states of the Eastern Caribbean and expressed satisfaction that both CARICOM and the French DOMs were accelerating their efforts at strengthening relations.   In this regard, the INTERREG III Programme was seen as an excellent mechanism to further cooperation between CARICOM and the DOMs.

Representatives  of International  Organisations

Heads of Government engaged Heads of International Organisations or their representatives in a special session with the Secretaries-General of the Commonwealth and of the Organisation of American States (OAS) and the Directors-General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). They  also  expressed  appreciation  to  the  Secretary-General  of  the  United  Nations through  his  special  representative  for  the  congratulatory   message  sent  to  the

Conference on this, the Community's so” Anniversary.

Heads  of  Government   welcomed   the  support  provided   by  these  organisations   to  the Community   and  committed   their  countries  to  continued   support  of these  international and regional  bodies.

DIALOGUE  WITH  SOCIAL  PARTNERS

Heads  of  Government   and  the  Social  Partners   reaffirmed   their  commitment   to  work together   in  pursuit  of  sustainable   development   and  to  ensure  the  realisation   of  the objectives  of the CSME and a better quality  of life for the peoples  of the Caribbean.

Heads  of Government  agreed  that priorities  for immediate  attention  must be determined on the  basis  of a dialogue  between  CARICOM   Officials,  the  Private  Sector  and  other social  partners  and must focus  on development   of modalities  for cooperation   in general and   in  particular   the   new  partnerships    to  carry   forward   the  sectoral   development programmes  included  in the Revised Treaty  of Chaguaramus.

RELATIONS  WITH  RUSSIA

Heads  of Government   noted with  satisfaction  the development   of relations  between  the

Community    and   the   Russian   Federation.   They   welcomed    the   congratulatory    note despatched   by the  President  of the  Russian  Federation  to the  Conference   on the  so” anniversary  of the Caribbean  Community.

Heads  of  Government   noted  that  the  Ministers   of  Foreign  Affairs   of  the  Region  are expected  to meet with their  Russian  counterpart  in September  2003 when  a Mechanism on Political  Dialogue  between  CARICOM  and the  Russian  Federation  is expected  to be signed.

RELATIONS  WITH  INDIA

Heads of Government recognized the importance of strengthening relations between the  Region and  India taking  into account the shared cultures  between India and a number of CARICOM states. In this regard, they noted the proposal of the Government of India to establish an institutional linkage for regular political dialogue.

Heads of Government welcomed the invitation extended by the Government of India for the Chairman of the Community Council to visit India as part of the process of strengthening  relations  and  exploring  opportunities for  developing  closer  trade  and economic ties between CARICOM and India.

REGIONAL  AIR TRANSPORT

Heads of Government received a report from Dr. the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves on actions being spearheaded by Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago to establish a holding company to rationalize air transport services in the South and East Caribbean. They welcomed these developments as well as the short-term assistance being provided to BWIA and LlAT to help these airlines overcome immediate difficulties.

Heads of Government recognized that highest categorisation of their national oversight systems and the  implementation of the provisions of the  CARICOM Multilateral Air Services Agreement are critical to the competitiveness of regionally based airlines and the orderly development of the sector.   They urged CARICOM aviation authorities to seek to obtain and maintain Category I status for national safety oversight mechanisms. They also urged Member States that are not parties to the CARICOM Multilateral Air Services Agreement to take the necessary measures to become parties.

SUSTAINABLE   TOURISM  DEVELOPMENT   FUND

Heads of Government reiterated the importance of the tourism sector to the Caribbean economy.  In this context, they reaffirmed the need to establish the Sustainable Tourism Development Fund to facilitate the implementation of the strategic plan approved at their Twenty-Third Meeting and supported the effort to mobilize the resources for the Fund.

TRINIDAD  AND TOBAGO'S   BID FOR THE HEADQUARTERS   OF THE  FTAA

Heads of Government reiterated their commitment to support Trinidad and Tobago for the site of the Headquarters of the FTAA Permanent Secretariat and in this regard pledged to actively canvass other countries in the hemisphere.

CARICOM/COSTA   RICA FREE TRADE  AGREEMENT

Heads of  Government approved  the  CARlCOM/Costa  Rica  Free Trade Agreement subject to certain modifications.   It is anticipated that this Agreement will be converted

into a CARICOM/ Central America Free Trade Agreement.

CONFLICT  RESOLUTION

Belize/Guatemala

Heads of Government received the reports by the Prime Minister of Belize and by the OAS  Secretary  General  on  the  progress made  by  the  ~AS-sponsored   Facilitation Process  on  the  Belize/Guatemala  dispute.  Heads  of  Government  welcomed  the Agreement to establish a Transition Process and Confidence Building Measures signed by the Parties on 7 February 2003, which commits the Parties to preserve the proposals made by the facilitators on 16 September 2002 for achieving a peaceful and permanent Resolution   to  the  Guatemala   territorial   claim  on  Belize,  to  complete   the  constitutional processes  to enable  referenda  to  be held  as proposed   by the  facilitators   and  to work constructively   and in good faith to manage  their relationship  until the matter  is settled.

Heads  of Government   welcomed  the  news  that  an office  of the  OAS  in the  adjacency zone  has  now  been  established   to  monitor  and  assist   in  the  implementation    of  the Agreement.   They  expressed   their  appreciation   for  the  constructive   role  played  by the OAS,  and  by the Secretary  General  personally,   in the  success  of a process  that  offers the two countries  an opportunity   to resolve  their  dispute  definitively   and the success  of which  would  make a notable  contribution  to conflict  resolution  elsewhere  in the Greater Caribbean.

In  reiterating   its  full  support  for  the  sovereignty   and  territorial   integrity   of  Belize,  the Conference   urged  the  Parties  to  make  every  effort  to  bring  this  Process  to  an  early conclusion   by preparing  the environment  that will  make  possible  the successful  holding of the referenda  within  a reasonable  time and by continuing  to ensure  that the dispute  is treated  as a matter of national  priority  and not one for party political  manipulation.   In this context,   Heads  of  Government   called  on  all friends   of  the  Process  to  intensify   their efforts  to  ensure  that  the  steps  remaining   to  be  taken  by the  Parties  are  not  unduly deferred,  and  pledged  to do all that they  can individually   and  collectively   to encourage and  assist  in the  completion   of the  Process  to  bring  about  the  final  resolution   of this long-standing  territorial  dispute.

GuyanaNenezuela

Heads  of Government  welcomed  recent  developments   in the relations  between  Guyana and  Venezuela,   which  had  resulted  in a renewed  commitment   by the  two  countries  to work   towards   the   maintenance    of  friendly   relations   and   to  develop   and   intensify functional  and economic  cooperation.

Heads of Government noted with satisfaction that both countries had agreed to renew and reinvigorate consultations under the United Nations Good Officer Process.  They reaffirmed  their  firm  support  for  the  maintenance  of  the  territorial  integrity  and sovereignty of Guyana and its right to develop the resources of its territory.

HAITI

After  presentations on the  situation  in  Haiti by  President Aristide  and  Senator the Honourable Julian R. Hunte, Minister of External Affairs, International Trade and Civil Aviation of Saint Lucia and joint leader of the Joint OAS-CARICOM mission to Haiti, Heads of Government expressed a sense of disappointment that undertakings made by the Government of Haiti had not been fully compiled with.   Underlining the pervasive feeling  of “battle-fatigue”  in the  international community and  the  need for  urgency, Heads strongly urged the Government of Haiti to comply with despatch commitments made to create a security environment conducive to the formation of the Provisional Electoral Council (CEP).

Reflective of their continued concern that further delay in resolving the political impasse would accentuate the deterioration of the situation in Haiti, and following consultations between Prime Minister Anthony of Saint Lucia, lead Prime Minister responsible for Justice and Governance in the Caribbean Community, and the OAS Secretary-General, Cesar Gaviria, Heads agreed that a Special Representative should be appointed to support the OAS Special Mission in Haiti and to facilitate dialogue between the Government of Haiti and the political opposition.

THE SITUATION  IN ST KITTS AND NEVIS

Heads of Governments received a report by the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis on current political developments in the twin-island Federation, which highlighted, inter alia, the declared intention of the Concerned Citizens Movement of Nevis to invoke Clause

113 of the Constitution of St Kitts and Nevis (the Secession Clause) and to trigger a referendum on this matter within six months.  While recognizing the constitutional right of  Nevis to  invoke Clause  113 of the Constitution of St Kitts and  Nevis, Heads of Governments declared their strong preference for the Federation of St Kitts and Nevis to be preserved as a single nation within the international community.

TURKS  AND CAICOS  ISLANDS

Heads of Government agreed to despatch an Election Observation Mission to monitor the by-election in the Turks and Caicos Islands on 7 August 2003.

CARICOM/USA   RELATIONS

Heads discussed the Region's relations with the external world in the context of the profound  changes  affecting  the functioning  system.    In this  regard they  noted the weakening of the traditional international norms such as multilateralism and respect for international law.  Heads also noted that in post 9/11 world, security and the global war against terrorism had become foremost  priorities on the international agenda to the detriment of the concerns of the developing world.

Heads of Government acknowledged that CARlCOM's friendly  relations with the US had been disrupted over the past few months by disagreements on sensitive issues.  In this regard they deplored the US decision of 1 July 2003 to withdraw military aid from six CARlCOM countries that had ratified the Rome Statute establishing the International Criminal Court and which had not signed “non-surrender” Agreements with the US to

exempt  their   nationals   from  the  jurisdiction   of  the  Court.    A  statement   released   by Heads  of  Government   on  this  issue  is appended.     Heads  were  of  the  view  that  the Region's  relations  with  the  US should  continue  to be principled  and  be guided  by their historic  ties  and  shared  values  and  interest,  and  that  every  effort  should  be  made  to renew dialogue  with the US.

Heads  of  Government   noted  that  the  Prime  Minister   of  Canada  would   be  retiring  in February   2004   and   expressed    appreciation    for   the   tremendous    goodwill   he   had displayed   towards  the  Region.    Heads  of Government   also  endorsed  the  decisions   of the COFCOR  concerning  continuing  collaboration  with  Cuba.

Heads    of   Government     underlined    the   importance    of   Saint    Lucia's    forthcoming presidency  of the 58th  General  Assembly  of the United  Nations  and pledged  the support of their countries.

EXTERNAL  NEGOTIATIONS

Heads   of  Government    noted  that  at  this  time  the   Region   is  confronting   the  cross currents  of globalisation   which  pose both challenges  and opportunities.   The rules of the multilateral  trading  system  are being  rewritten  and at the center  of this process  are the negotiations    to  create   the   Free  Trade   Area   of  the  Americas,    in  the  World   Trade Organisation   (WTO)  and  those  between  the  ACP  and  European   Union  for  Economic Partnership  Agreements.

Free Trade Area of the Americas  (FTAA)

Heads   of  Government    underlined    the   commitment    of  the   Region   to  continue   its engagement   in  the  FTAA  process.     They  noted  the  fruitful   exchanges   between   the Region's   Trade  Ministers   and  Ambassador   Robert  Zoellick,   the  United  States  Trade

Representative. which took place on the eve of the Conference. Heads reiterated the call for a pragmatic approach to the scope of the FTAA negotiations if the completion deadline of December 2004 is to be achieved.

Heads of Government welcomed the  progress made towards  implementation of the Hemispheric Cooperation Programme (HCP) intended to enhance capacity of countries to prepare for and participate in the negotiations, to strengthen capacity to discharge obligations under the agreement and to facilitate responses to the challenges arising from hemispheric integration.   In this context they urged Member States to expedite national action plans and strategies.

Heads of Government welcomed the positive approach now evident with regard to the establishment of the Regional Integration Fund (RIF) proposed by CARICOM to provide development financing for adjustment within the FTAA context.

World  Trade  Organisation  (WTO)

Heads of Government regarded the visit of Dr. Supachai Panitchpakdi, Director General of the WTO as timely given the imminence of the 5th   Session of the WTO Ministerial Conference in Cancun, Mexico.   They expressed deep concern at the failure of the WTO  negotiations so far  to  effectively  address  issues of  critical  importance to the Region and other developing countries.   In particular Heads emphasized the need for WTO members to give practical expression to the commitments undertaken at the Doha Ministerial Conference, particularly with respect to Implementation Issues, Special and Differential Treatment, access to low cost medicines and the work programme on small economies. In regard to the latter the Heads endorsed the Region's strategy for the 5th Ministerial Conference, including the convening by the Region of a meeting on small economies in the margins of the Cancun Conference.  Heads endorsed the preparation of  a  Ministerial   Declaration   on the  WTO  process  setting  out  the  Region's   aspirations and objectives  in the WTO  negotiations.

Heads   welcomed   the  renewal   of  the  Memorandum    of  Understanding    between   the Community    and   the  WTO   which   will   provide   for   continued   trade-related    technical assistance    and   capacity    building   to   CARl COM   Member    States   to   enhance   their implementation    of  the   Doha   Development   Agenda   and  to  assist   their   harmonious integration  into the world trading  system.

ACP-EU  Negotiations

Heads  of Government   remained  concerned  at the slow progress  in the first phase of the negotiations  for Economic  Partnership  Agreements   between  the African,  Caribbean  and Pacific  Group  of countries  and  the  European   Union.  They  recommitted   the  Region  to the  maintenance   and  strengthening   of ACP  unity  and  solidarity   and  to  making  every effort  to achieve  ACP  aspirations  and objectives  during  the remainder  of Phase  I of the negotiations.   They  noted  these  were  critical  to the  achievement   of the  aspirations   and objectives  of developing  countries  in both the ACP-EU  and WTO  negotiations.

Heads   of  Government   commended   the  efforts  to  advance   the  preparations   for  the regional   phase  of  the  negotiations   through   the  drafting   of  Caribbean   Guidelines   for Phase  II of the negotiations.

SPECIAL  SUMMIT  OF THE AMERICAS

Heads  of  Government   supported   the  proposal  that  the  Special  Summit  to  be  held  in Mexico  at the end of November  2003  place  emphasis  on economic  growth  with  equity, social  development  and democratic  governance.

They    also   urged   that   the   Special   Summit   provide   the   opportunity   for   leaders   to exchange  opinions  and adopt common  positions  on the global  situation.

PRESIDENCY    OF   THE   58TH     SESSION    OF   THE   UNITED   NATIONS   GENERAL ASSEMBLY

Heads  of Government   heartily  applauded  the  Minister  of External  Affairs,  International Trade  and Civil Aviation,  Senator  the Honourable  Julian  R. Hunte of Saint  Lucia, on his election  by  acclamation   to  the  Presidency   of the  58th   Session  of  the  United  Nations General  Assembly.  They  recognized  the  regional  nature  that would  be reflected  in the

President's  cabinet, which was a fitting tribute to the Community  on its so” anniversary.

They also recognized  that a representative  of the Community  would  be at the helm of the premier  international  organisation  at a time when visionary  leadership  would  be required.

REGIONAL   ENERGY  POLICY  FOR THE CARIBBEAN   COMMUNITY

Heads  of  Government   reiterated   the  importance   of  a  regional   energy  policy    which would  address  as its top priority security  of energy  supply  and petroleum  product  pricing in light of their  impact  on the competitiveness   of the  Member  States  of the  CARICOM Single  Market  and  Economy.    They  mandated   the  Secretary-General    to  provide  the Conference  at its next Meeting,  with an advisory  opinion  on access  to natural  resources, in particular,  energy  as provided  by the Revised Treaty.

FOLLOW-UP   TO THE NASSAU  DECLARATION

The  Nassau  Declaration  (July  2001)  with  the theme,  'The  Health  of the  Region  is the Wealth  of the  Region',  established  specific  guidelines  for achieving  targets  for  regional cooperation   in health  as well as HIV/AIDS.   Several  activities  have  been undertaken  in accordance   with  the   mandates   under   the  Declaration.      Chief   among   them   is  the

strengthening of the  Pan Caribbean Partnership Against  HIV/AIDS which  has been involved with other agencies in successful negotiations for cheaper anti retroviral drugs, and accelerating care and treatment of people living with AIDS, as well as developing human rights and prevention programmes.

Heads of Government approved the establishment of the Caribbean Commission for Health and Development whose overall objective is to formulate strategies for assisting governments to more effectively manage and finance  health and health care and to collaborate and share resources, regionally.   The work of the Commission is being financed  by the World  Health Organisation (WHO) macro-economic Commission on Health and will be chaired by Sir George Alleyne, former Director of the Pan-American Health Organisation (PAHO), and recently appointed UN Envoy on HIV/AIDS in the Caribbean.

Heads of Government also extended congratulations to the Caribbean Nurses Association and the Regional Nursing Body for their activities associated with the year of the Caribbean Nurses under the theme, 'Nurses Lighting the Way to Professional Excellence'.

A WORLD  FIT FOR CHILDREN

Heads of Government reiterated the value and importance of the children of the Community and  placed  high priority on ensuring that  they  have the  opportunity to develop to their fullest potential. They recognised that in implementing the 'World Fit for Children Plan of Action', adopted at the United Nations Special Session on Children in May 2002, this will contribute to reaching the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs). They endorsed the CARICOM Regional Framework for Action approved by the Eighth Meeting of the COHSOD and committed to the implementation of this framework.

THE CARIBBEAN  ACCREDITATION   AUTHORITY   FOR EDUCATION IN MEDICINE  AND OTHER  HEALTH  PROFESSIONS

Heads of  Government  agreed  to  the  establishment  of  the  Caribbean Accreditation

Authority for Education in Medicine and other Health Professions.

This  Accreditation  Authority  will  be responsible for  accrediting  in the first  instance, medical training programmes offered at universities in the Community.

WEST  INDIAN  CRICKET

Heads of Government received a report from the Hon. Lester Bird, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Chairman of the Prime Ministerial sub-committee on Cricket, and from the West  Indies Cricket  Board (WICB) on preparations for  the staging of the Cricket World Cup 2007.

Heads of Government agreed to establish a central organizing body at the Regional level to assist Windies World Cup Incorporated, the company established by the WICB to manage the event.

They accepted the invitation of Windies World Cup Inc. to name a high level representative to the Board of Directors that will govern the policy direction of the event. They  welcomed the  offer  of technical  assistance  in staging the  event extended by President Thabo Mbeki of South Africa whose country hosted the World Cup in 2003.

Heads of Government expressed their deep appreciation to outgoing President of the WICB, Reverend Wesley Hall for his contribution to West Indies Cricket on and off the field.

CRIME AND SECURITY

Heads of Government reiterated their commitment to address crime and security issues within the context of the approved Regional Crime and Security Initiative.  They noted the success achieved by some Member States in their fight against crime.

Heads of Government committed themselves to the continued strengthening of national and regional capacity and in this regard placed high priority on resource mobilisation.

THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY DECLARATION

Heads of Government adopted a Thirtieth  Anniversary   “Rose  Hall  Declaration  on Regional  Governance  and  Integrated  Development”,   which included a decision in principle, to establish a Commission and other executive mechanism for furthering the implementation of Community decisions related to the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. A copy of the Declaration  is attached.

THIRTIETH ANNIVERSARY CONCERT

As part of the Cultural Activities of the Conference and to commemorate the signing of the Treaty of Chauguramas in 1973, the Government of Jamaica hosted a Thirtieth Anniversary Concert which showcased the abounding talent and spirit of the Caribbean. Artistes were drawn from The Bahamas in the North through to Cuba and  Haiti, to Surinamein the  South, as well as from Jamaica.   The event, hailed a true  cultural extravaganza of celebration, was shared with the rest of the Caribbean via satellite. As Prime Minister, P.J. Patterson remarked, it was a fitting precursor to Carifesta  VIII to be held in Suriname, 24 – 30 August 2003.

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Caribbean  Community   Secretariat,  Avenue   of the  Republic,  P.O.  Box  10827,  Georgetown,   Guyana, Tel:        592-226-9281-9;  Fax:    592-226-7816/3098

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