Prime Minister P.J. Patterson on Friday (March10) outlined the Caribbean position on current and future relations with France and its Caribbean overseas territories during a summit meeting with the French President, Jacques Chirac and Caribbean leaders at the Pointe-a-Pitre Conference Centre in Guadeloupe.
Noting that the Summit was the first of its kind between France and the Caribbean, Mr. Patterson said the historic meeting should serve to pave the way for a more meaningful and beneficial relationship between the European country and the Caribbean nations. The Prime Minister, who is also chairman of the CARIFORUM group of African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries and co-chaired the meeting along with the French President, pointed out that the meeting came sharply on the heels of the recently concluded agreement between the EU and the ACP for a successor arrangement to the Lome Convention.
He acknowledged the part played by the French in the negotiations and urged their continued support as the grouping sought to ensure that the provisions of the agreement for trade and economic relations are realised. He said the Region looked forward to its implementation in an expeditious manner particularly with France taking the chair of the EU from July 1 this year.
In the context of the new EU/ACP framework agreement and the successor convention to the Lome IV that is yet to come, Mr. Patterson said, CARIFORUM countries see new opportunities for enhanced trade and economic cooperation between France and themselves. He proposed that there could be joint ventures in agriculture in an effort to produce organic fruits and vegetables on a scientific basis; as well as joint ventures in eco-tourism, cultural and heritage tourism and in cruise shipping.
The Jamaican Prime Minister pointed to the need for Caribbean States to expand and modernise their physical infrastructure, and urged the French to come on board with their proven expertise to take advantage of opportunities for partnerships and investments. He also urged greater levels of cooperation in information technology. “Information technology is one of the new areas where France enjoys a comparative advantage. We in CARIFORUM nations are determined to become part of the computer-based knowledge economy. We seek therefore, to advance production, marketing and distribution systems together with the essential attainments in education, training, research and development,” he said.
He however drew attention to several challenges facing the Region, including small size, vulnerability to natural disasters; the growing threat from nuclear accidents and illegal drug and gun running; resource limitations; the need for time to adjust to globalisation; as well as attempts by some developed countries, institutions and groupings to limit the expansion in the services sector including financial services.
“The increasing use of the Caribbean Sea for the shipment of nuclear materials is most disconcerting and the assurances by France, Japan and the United Kingdom do not lessen the fears. Recent revelations that companies involved in the trade have systematically falsified records have served to heighten concerns, as has also, the not infrequent nuclear related mishaps in Japan,” said Mr. Patterson.
He stressed that the Caribbean Sea was the patrimony of all Caribbean nations no matter the accident of colonial conquest and thus differences in language, customs and political structures. He painted a picture of tremendous possibilities for the development of Franco-Caribbean collaboration and partnership in the new millennium. “Faced by numerous challenges, but inspired by a fresh vision of the third millennium, we in this Region are eager to build on an indomitable spirit to survive, to succeed, to build and to grow,” Prime Minister Patterson said.
Office of the Prime Minister
Jamaica
10 March, 2000
