On-going discussions to promote the advancement of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), and development issues of the Community, as well as matters associated with the territorial integrity of Member States, CARIFESTA Vll and economic threats to the Region are some of the major items listed for discussion at the upcoming Meeting of Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Heads of Government starting this weekend.
The Twenty-first Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government is scheduled for Canouan, St Vincent and the Grenadines, from 2-5 July, 2000.
At the Conference, the Heads will have a full slate of issues from which they will have to make critical decisions. These include the threat to health of Caribbean citizens with the escalating crisis of HIV /AIDS in the Region; a wide range of trade matters; developments in Haiti and nominations and recommendations for the Award of the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC), and consideration of other awards.
Intense discussions are expected on the implementation of the nine Protocols amending the Treaty of Chaguaramas, which will pave the way for the new economic integration process for the Region, and the establishment of the Caribbean Court of Justice. Supervision of the revision of the Treaty of Chaguaramas by way of Protocols has been completed, and the Heads now have to pave the way for the legal framework to be put in place for the operation of the gradual implementation of the CSME.
The Protocols are specific on rights of establishment, including the right to provide services and the right of any CARICOM national to move capital within the Community; on industrial policy; trade liberalisation; agricultural policy; Community transportation policy; on disadvantaged countries, regions and sectors; competition policy; consumer protection; dumping and subsidies; and disputes settlement.
With regard to the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), a Preparatory Committee was established under the Chairmanship of Barbados and comprising the Attorneys-General of Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago, assisted by Chief Parliamentary Counsel and Supreme Court Registrars, with representation from the Council of Legal Education and the Community Secretariat.
That Committee is also charged with making arrangements for the functioning of the Caribbean Court of Justice, appointments and remuneration of members of the regional judicial and legal services commission and the appointment and remuneration of the President, Judges and officials of the Court. The Heads will entertain a proposal from a report by the Preparatory Committee to consider arrangements for the establishment of the CCJ.
Also up for consideration by the Heads are issues relating to the development of the Community. At its Seventh Special Meeting in Trinidad and Tobago in October, 1999, Heads of Government agreed on ten areas critical to the Region’s development. In this regard, the Leaders decided to organise themselves into a quasi-cabinet structure, allotting themselves 14 portfolios equally among the Member States. At the Conference, they will discuss and determine the operations of the quasi-cabinet.
Another item up for consideration is a single CARICOM passport for citizens of the Community for which the Heads will receive recommendations, including concerns from officials tasked with this responsibility.
The escalating crisis of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (AIDS ) is of major concern for the well being of the work force in the Community. With the rising incidence of the debilitating disease, a report is to come up for consideration. The Heads had identified AIDS as one of the priority matters that warrant significant attention.
The Heads will also consider a proposal for the establishment of a regional climate change centre, against the backdrop of global climate changes which have seriously impacted on the sustainable development capabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
The Meeting will receive an update on the preparations for CARIFESTA Vll scheduled for St Kitts and Nevis on 17-26 August, 2000, and a summary report on the CARICOM/UWI Regional Cricket Conference which was held at the Cave Hill Campus in Barbados from 31 May to 2 June, 2000.
