The CARICOM Mission to Trinidad and Tobago, led by the Rt. Hon. Hubert Ingraham, Prime Minister of The Bahamas and Immediate Past Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), including Dr. the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines and CARICOM Secretary-General Mr. Edwin Carrington, engaged in a busy round of consultations over the last two days in an attempt to assist in the search for a solution to Trinidad and Tobago's current political difficulties, following the December 10, 2001 elections.
The Team paid a courtesy call on His Excellency Arthur N.R. Robinson, President of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and in a subsequent meeting, the Mission indicated the willingness of the Community to offer to provide technical assistance in relation to improving the functioning of the Elections and Boundaries Commission.
The Mission held discussions with Prime Minister Patrick Manning and Political Leader of the United National Congress (UNC) Basdeo Panday on two occasions each. In its discussions with the relevant parties, the Mission took note of an earlier signed agreement between the two parties which, regrettably, appears no longer to be the basis for the resolution of the current situation. However, the Mission found that there is scope for accommodation between the parties which would allow for the affairs of the nation to be undertaken, including its contribution to regional developments, until fresh elections are held. Both parties agreed that such elections will be held, following revision of the Electoral List and any other changes necessary to ensure the confidence of the political parties and the electorate in the electoral process. They expect such elections would be held in about a year's time, but in the case of Mr. Panday, he would wish for it to be held “as soon as possible”.
Both parties also agreed on the necessity for constitutional reform and that such process can take place simultaneously with the revision of the electoral list and process.
The Mission indicated CARICOM's readiness to help in this process by providing technical assistance in such areas as Trinidad and Tobago considers necessary and in which the Community has expertise.
On the critical and immediate question of the choice of a Speaker, the parties are continuing discussions with a view to the early convening of Parliament, a vital requirement for a functioning democracy such as Trinidad and Tobago. The Mission strongly appeals to the Political Leader of the UNC, upon the election of a Speaker, to accept the position of Leader of the Opposition – another vital institution for the effective functioning of a democracy. The Mission also looks forward to welcoming Prime Minister Patrick Manning, the first Chairman of the Bureau of the Conference of Heads of Government, to the upcoming Thirteenth Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference in Belize on 3-5 February 2002.
In light of all the circumstances, the Mission is of the view that a basis exists for, and it looks forward to an early resolution of the current political situation in this key CARICOM State. In this regard, the Mission happily notes that the leaders of the two parties are meeting on the very day that it concludes its consultations. Against this background, it reaffirms its confidence in the ability of the people of Trinidad and Tobago and their leaders to find an acceptable solution to the present impasse and wishes to express its appreciation for the fraternal way in which it was received by all.
Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago
29 January 2002
