As the outgoing Chair of this most important and necessary organ of the CARICOM, I am indeed pleased to have served the Region in this capacity. Moreover, I am very proud of the progress the Council has made in strengthening its foundation and ensuring the efficient coordination of the foreign policy of Members States.
I am aware that our deliberations and towards the implementation of a seamless regional foreign policy is still not perfect, but to date, achievements made in harmonising strategies and mechanisms to improve the effectiveness of our relations with international bodies is cause for commendation.
The current financial crisis highlights the inequity and inadequacies of the international economic system and underscores the distinctive vulnerabilities characteristic of the Caribbean.
We are also aware of the declarations of the latest G20 summit and recent pronouncements of President Obama’s administration in targeting what they refer to as tax havens. These have serious implications for the fledgling financial services sector in the Region and our economic viability. Member States are not in any position to deal with the current challenges on their own and given the current global economic crisis and the ever evolving geo-political environment, COFCOR must become more proactive and make sure that the cogent responses of the Region are directed to key leaders and institutions among our international partners and allies.
Fellow Ministers of Foreign Affairs, ladies and gentlemen,
My tenure as Chair of COFCOR and the Group of 77 and China brought me face to face with the complexities of regional and international relations and consequently, the important role the staff at the Secretariat and the United Nations play in creating the requisite linkages with our international partners.
CARICOM’s approach to coordinating its foreign policy is greatly admired by many within the global environment. Our ability to maintain a cohesive body of independent countries on matters of universal significance is a true manifestation of the mandate set out in Article 16 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.
When we met in Antigua and Barbuda in May 2008, there were a number of decisions made with respect to
• Pursuing new relations and new strategic interests
• The Economic Partnership Agreement
• Foreign Policy Coordination
• CARICOMs strategic interest in regional and international summits and
• The New York Conference on the Caribbean
Since then we have made some progress and continue work towards taking forward those matters that are necessary for the region’s growth and development. In pursuing the development of new, strategic interests, Members States continue to respond to the Secretariat’s request for prior information to ensure the proper coordination of regional and international associations.
The Economic Partnership Agreement
As we move forward in the implementation of the various elements of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), we are mindful of the need for this organ of CARICOM to seriously engage the process of developing appropriate mechanisms to enhance the political relationship between CARIFORUM and the European Union. This matter was further explored at the CARIFORUM-EU Summit held in Lima Peru.
New York Conference on the Caribbean Community
We continue efforts to consolidate the function of our missions abroad, especially in the United States of America and Europe, in relation to the role of the Diaspora. In this regard, the Community hosted the New York Conference on the Caribbean Community in June of 2008, which provided an opportunity for us, as a region, to engage in discussions on trade, investment and education.
Fellow Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Ladies and Gentlemen
Foreign Policy Coordination
The work of this coordinating organ becomes even more relevant as the region centres its foreign policy on tackling priority issues such as ICT for development, food security and investment in agriculture, affordable and clean energy and Maritime and Air Transportation. The Community addressed a number of these issues in 2008 during its participation in the UK-Caribbean Forum, the CARIOCM-Spain Summit, the CARICOM-Cuba Summit and the meeting of CARICOM Heads and Foreign Ministers with the US Secretary of State.
During my stewardship as chair of G77 and China, great efforts were made to strengthen the solidarity and unity within the grouping and promote the interests of the Community among other developing countries.
The issue of joint representation continues to be discussed without any real attempt to consolidate our efforts among and between missions overseas.
Current Challenges
Fellow Ministers, ladies and gentlemen Today, the interconnectedness of our world adds a layer of complexity to existing imperatives, which makes it compulsory for us to collaborate even more closely if we are to thrive in such an environment. The policy and implementation demands an examination of, inter alia,
• The nature of our vulnerability and the need for us as a region to continue our quest to be heard at every level within global discourse
• The promotion of the sustainable development of our economies
• Our efforts to extract greatest benefit from our bilateral and multilateral engagements, including the EPA
• Our response to renewed attempts by the OECD, led by America, to curtail our efforts to diversify our economies by offering financial services
• Crime and security in the region
• Our approach to the threat facing our flag registry sector relative to Piracy in the Gulf of Aden
• Our response to the unique challenges presented to the region by global warming
• Our mitigating responses to the potential ravages caused by the H1N1 virus and AIDS pandemic
Conclusion
The battle ahead is not easy nor will it become easier. I urge all of us to continue to catch sight of what is truly important to our region and develop an integrated political, economic and social approach which will benefit all our people. Therefore, let us move forward with a commitment to build on successful achievements.
In conclusion, I wish to take this opportunity to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to all the Ministers of Foreign Affairs, the Secretary General, Ambassadors, Senior Officials and staff members at the Secretariat for your kind support and encouragement during my term as Chair of this most key Organ of the CARICOM Community.
I look forward with vigour, insight and creativity of the new leadership in the months and years ahead.
Thank you very much.
