The meeting involving the Government of Montserrat, the Caribbean Community Secretariat and United Kingdom Government representatives ended in Montserrat today reaffirming their commitment to Montserrat's continued participation in CARICOM and its organs.
The two-day talks were undertaken in a spirit of friendship with all agreeing to move forward together in harmony to accomplish the objective of ensuring Montserrat's continued full membership in CARICOM.
The Meeting considered the legal, economic, resource implications and modalities for Montserrat to participate fully in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) underpinned by the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ).
The Meeting of experts found no insurmountable legal impediments to the granting of the necessary entrustments by the British Government to Montserrat, but agreed that some legal issues would require further consideration.
There was general consensus at the meeting that there would be long-term benefits from Montserrat's participation in the CSME. It was however necessary for ways to be found to minimize any short-term adverse impact. Montserrat would need to avail itself of Special Treatment.
The Government of Montserrat will now formally request the necessary entrustments from the UK Government to allow for Montserrat's full participation in CARICOM.
The Meeting was attended by delegations from the Montserrat Government led by the Hon. Dr. John Osborne with technical support from a CARICOM Secretariat team led by Secretary General, His Excellency, Dr. Edwin Carrington along with an OECS technical team led by Mr. Victor Philip La Corbinere, Legal Counsel. The UK Government delegation was headed by Ms. Sarah Booker, of the UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office.
