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OF GOVERNMENT OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY
GEORGETOWN, GUYANA, 3-5 JULY 2002
The Twenty-Third Regular Meeting of the
Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community
(CARICOM) was held in Georgetown, Guyana, on 3-5 July 2002. It
was presided over by H.E. Bharrat Jagdeo, President of the Republic
of Guyana and Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Government
of the Caribbean Community.
Other Heads of Government in attendance were Hon. Lester B. Bird,
Prime Minister
of Antigua and Barbuda; Hon. Perry Christie, Prime Minister of
The Commonwealth of The Bahamas; Hon. Said Musa, Prime Minister
of Belize; Dr the Hon Keith C. Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada;
H.E. Jean-Bertrand Aristide, President of the Republic of Haiti;
Rt. Hon. Percival J. Patterson, Prime Minister of Jamaica; Hon.
Dr. Denzil Douglas, Prime Minister of the Federation of St. Kitts
and Nevis; Dr. the Hon. Kenny D. Anthony, Prime Minister of Saint
Lucia; Dr. the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent
and the Grenadines; H.E. Runaldo R. Venetiaan, President of the
Republic of Suriname; and Hon. Patrick Manning, Prime Minister
of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago. The Hon. Billie Miller,
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign
Trade, represented Barbados. The Hon. Derek Taylor, Chief Minister
of the Turks and Caicos Islands, also attended.
OPENING CEREMONY
In his introductory remarks at
the Opening Ceremony, Mr. Edwin W. Carrington, Secretary-General
of the Caribbean Community, pointed out that the Caribbean Community
was the longest surviving functioning integration grouping among
developing countries in the world as it moves towards its 30th
Anniversary in 2003.
The Secretary-General suggested that the Community should give
itself a birthday present at that time by completing the signature
and ratification of all the instruments relating to the CARICOM
Single Market and Economy (CSME) as well as by passing them into
national law.
In his maiden address to the Conference, the Hon. Perry Christie,
Prime Minister of The Bahamas, reaffirmed his country's commitment
to CARICOM. Mr Christie emphasised that the process of strengthening
that relationship was entwined with his Government's commitment
to a national agenda based on continuous consultation.
"Integration," he said, "must not only be led
from above by the political directorate. All of our peoples must
be able to see, hear, feel CARICOM, its leaders and institutions,
as living, not as an intellectual idea removed from their daily
lives. For CARICOM to succeed, our people must see CARICOM's
success as tied to their own," he added
The Hon. Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, in his address,
outlined a proposal to supply natural gas to Member States. Participating
States would enjoy a 30% reduction in energy costs. This proposal
envisages the installation of a pipeline from Trinidad and Tobago
extending some distance up the island chain as well as the use
of compressed natural gas.
The Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister also stressed the need
to review the Community's institutions to increase their effectiveness
in discharging their mandates.
Hon. Said Musa, Prime Minister of Belize and Outgoing Chairman
of the Conference, reviewed his stewardship of the Community
during the first half of the year. He also emphasised in his
address that the supreme objective of the integration of the
Region was "to enhance the quality of life of our peoples."
The Prime Minister focused on the problem of poverty in his address.
He pointed out that two years after the Millennium Declaration
set the goal of halving world poverty by 2015, there were more
poor people today than there were at the time of the Declaration.
Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Dr the Hon Kenny D. Anthony, stressed
in his address, the need for greater engagement of the people
of the Region and highlighted for special consideration the economic
recession that has gripped the countries of the Eastern Caribbean
during the past decade.
"Surely anyone who understands the dynamics of the regional
economy will know that the difficulties currently being experienced
by the OECS will be transmitted through the Regional Market to
non-OECS members of CARICOM," he added.
H.E. Bharrat Jagdeo, President of Guyana and Chairman of the
Conference, noted in his feature address the need to promote
a larger vision of the Caribbean by projecting "the reach
of CARICOM beyond its geographic confines". Belize, Guyana
and Suriname could serve as important gateways for the Community's
trade and economic relations with central and South America.
The President indicated a number of issues on which he proposed
to focus during their tenure. Among these were the formulation
of a common agricultural policy, a review of regional institutions,
and a common approach to the problems of crime and insecurity
in the Region. In this regard, the President noted that this
problem was holding the people and the economies to ransom and
had to be addressed "promptly and fully at this meeting."
MEMBERSHIP
Haiti
Accession of Haiti to the Caribbean
Community
Heads of Government welcomed the deposit of the Instrument of
Accession by Haiti for membership of the Caribbean Community.
The Conference admitted the Republic of Haiti as the fifteenth
Member State of the Caribbean Community.
Heads of Government welcomed and accepted the invitation extended
by the President of Haiti for a delegation led by the Chairman
of the Conference to visit Haiti before the end of the year in
recognition of Haiti's membership of the Community.
Heads of Government noted the observation made by the President
of Haiti in which he emphasised the importance of developing
economic and cultural links as part of the process of inter-relationship
between Haiti and the rest of the Community. In this regard,
they noted the importance of celebrating the 200th Anniversary
of Haiti's Flag Day in 2003 and a similar celebration of its
independence in 2004.
Cayman Islands
Heads of Government welcomed the Cayman Islands as the fourth
Associate Member of the Community.
THE STATE OF THE COMMUNITY
Heads of Government took the opportunity
to review the state of the Community as it approached its 30th
anniversary. In so doing, they focused on specific issues of
particular importance to the people of the Region.
Regional Economy
Heads of Government devoted a great deal of time to considering
the economic situation of the Community and its impact upon the
lives of their people. They declared their awareness of the depth
of the problem which has arisen, in large measure from factors
outside their control. These include the reduced access to the
European Union Banana Market; the economic recession in the USA
and the negative impact of the events of September 11, 2001,
in particular on the tourism sector; the adverse effect of the
OECD Harmful Taxation Initiative on the investment climate in
Member States and the rapid decline in overseas development assistance.
They were conscious of the limited opportunities open to their
countries due to their size and limited resources in this period
of economic transition. They noted that Governments may have
to introduce measures which may require sacrifices from their
peoples. Nonetheless, they expressed their determination to address
the challenges posed to their countries with vigour and creativity.
In this connection, they agreed to appoint a Technical Team.
The Heads will meet in Saint Lucia, in special session, on 16
August 2002 to further discuss the state of the regional economy.
The recommendations of the Technical Team will be considered
in the elaboration of a programme to revive the regional economy
and to build a foundation for future development. To facilitate
their work at the special session, they established a technical
committee to develop with urgency, proposals for a regional stabilization
programme including a Stabilization Fund.
CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME)
The Conference reviewed the pace
of implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME)
and all Heads of Government agreed that there must be a more
urgent and comprehensive effort to fully establish the CSME.
Cognisance was taken of the recommendations from the Caribbean
Transnational Conference held in Jamaica on 18-22 April 2002
and from Civil Society in its encounter immediately preceding
the Meeting of the Conference on the implementation of the CSME.
The Conference determined that a Meeting of the Prime Ministerial
Sub-Committee on the CSME would meet on 17 July 2002 in Saint
Lucia to deal with the issues important to the speedy implementation
of the CSME.
Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)
The Conference agreed on immediate
measures to inaugurate the Court by the second half of 2003.
The Heads of Government were deeply concerned that the Court
should be financially sustainable and independent. Therefore
among the measures adopted was the establishment of a Trust Fund
with a one-time settlement of one hundred million United States
dollars (US$100,000,000.00) to finance the Court. The Conference
authorised the President of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB)
to raise the funds on international capital markets. Member States
could then access these funds to meet their assessed contribution
towards the financing of the Court.
The President of the CDB will report to the Fourteenth Inter-Sessional
Meeting of Conference on his efforts to raise the resources.
While noting that some countries are required to hold referenda
on aspects of the jurisdiction of the Court, the Conference reiterated
its earlier decision that Member States should put in place the
legislative and regulatory measures required for the Court to
become operational as early as possible.
In arriving at these decisions the Heads of Government acknowledged
the clearly expressed desire of the Region's citizens, that Member
States should move speedily to complete the process of political
independence and their desire to broaden access to justice for
the Caribbean people. They also noted that the CCJ was critical
to the success of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.
Heads of Government noted the recent statement by the Fifth Meeting
of the Heads of the Judiciary of the Commonwealth Caribbean calling
on this Conference to move expeditiously to establish the Court
on a financially sustainable basis. Heads also requested the
Preparatory Committee to continue the administrative work towards
the establishment of the Court.
Heads of Government commended the example set by the Dr. the
Hon. Kenny D. Anthony, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, the Head
of Government with Lead responsibility for Justice and Governance
whose country was the first to deposit its Instrument of Ratification
of the Agreement establishing the CCJ.
Heads of Government agreed to issue a Statement.
Tourism
Heads of Government received a
report from the Caribbean Tourism Organisation and the Caribbean
Hotel Association on the development of the strategic plan for
re-positioning the Tourism Industry and a Sustainable Tourism
Development Fund. They accepted broadly the strategic plan but
gave Member States until 31 July 2002 to submit any proposal
for refinement. The Plan will be published immediately thereafter.
Heads of Government mandated the private and public sector representatives
to conclude consultations on the Sustainable Tourism Development
Fund and submit recommendations to the Council for Finance and
Planning in September 2002.
HUMAN AND SOCIAL ISSUES
Follow-up to the Nassau Declaration
The Health of the Region is the Wealth of the Region
In the Nassau Declaration, the Health of the Region is the
Wealth of the Region (The Bahamas 2001), Caribbean Heads
of Government established specific targets and time frames for
the Pan-Caribbean Partnership against HIV/AIDS (PANCAP). In keeping
with these guidelines, PANCAP has scaled up its response, especially
in the area of treatment and care. Regional negotiations with
pharmaceutical companies for cheaper anti-retroviral drugs have
yielded significant reductions in prices ranging from 50-85%.
These regional negotiations initiated in Jamaica in February
2002 were followed up in Geneva at the World Health Assembly
(May 2002) and subsequently in The Bahamas (June 2002).
The Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and
Nevis, Lead Head of Government with responsibility for Health
(including HIV/AIDS) and Human Resource Development, will sign
an Agreement of Principles with the pharmaceutical companies
on behalf of the Pan Caribbean Partnership at the International
HIV/AIDS Conference in Barcelona on 10 July 2002.
PANCAP is currently preparing a Regional proposal to access financing
for its regional programme from the Global Fund for HIV/AIDS,
tubercolosis and malaria to implement its regional programme.
Heads of Government expressed their gratitude to the donor countries
and institutions that have provided support to the Region.
Crime and Security
Heads of Government received the
presentation by the Chairman of the Regional Task Force on Crime
and Security which was established at their 22nd Meeting in Nassau,
The Bahamas in July 2001. Having considered the Report, they
agreed to issue a Statement which is attached to this
Communique.
Science & Technology: Information
and Communication
Technology (ICT) Including E-Commerce
With respect to Science & Technology,
the Heads of Government recognised the potential of Information
and Communication Technologies (ICTs) for enhancing and integrating
our societies in areas such as education, health, poverty reduction,
delivery of public information and governance - objectives articulated
in the CARICOM Charter of Civil Society. They also
noted the potential for transforming our economic landscape,
growing the CSME and advancing the regional trade agenda, by
increasing competitiveness in services and seizing opportunities
offered by e-commerce. The Heads are however not unmindful of
increasing challenges the digital revolution has posed to smaller
economies such as ours, underscoring the need for a regional
approach.
Noting the policies and programmes already being implemented
at the national and sub regional levels, and receiving recommendations
from a special ministerial meeting on these matters, the Heads
of Government agreed that through an agreed process, a regional
ICT strategy would be finalized and submitted for their consideration
at the Fourteenth Inter-Sessional Meeting, scheduled for early
2003. It was also agreed that CARICOM would further pursue meaningful
participation in hemispheric and other global policy-making fora
on the global information society.
Cricket
Heads of Government strongly supported
the plans put forward by the Windies World Cup (WWC) for the
staging of World Cup 2007, having received a report from the
Chief Executive Officer of Windies World Cup, the agency designated
to manage the event.
The event will require intensive planning and coordination as
well as the provision of venues and facilities, which host countries
will have to supply in keeping with specific requirements set
down by the International Cricket Council.
Heads of Government requested a further meeting between representatives
of the WWC, West Indies Cricket Board and the Prime Ministerial
Sub-Committee on Cricket to follow up on some of the issues requiring
the attention of CARICOM Governments.
Award of the Order of the Caribbean
Community (OCC)
Heads of Government approved the
recommendations that the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC)
be conferred on the following individuals who have contributed
to forging a stronger Caribbean identity, promoted the excellence
of the Caribbean internationally, and raised the self-esteem
of the people of the Caribbean through work in their respective
fields:
Dame Eugenia Charles
Sir John Compton
Mr. Lloyd Best
GOVERNANCE
Heads of Government reaffirmed
their commitment to upholding the high standards of democracy
and good governance and the rule of law for which the Community
has been traditionally recognised. In this regard, they mandated
the Secretariat to prepare a Paper reviewing a number of instruments
relating to Governance, including the CARICOM Charter of Civil
Society (Article XVII), the Commonwealth Harare Principles and
the Inter-American Democratic Charter, with a view to determining
a common set of principles on governance from a CARICOM perspective.
Political Crisis in Haiti
Heads of Government received a
report from the Minister of External Affairs, International Trade
and Civil Aviation of Saint Lucia, joint leader of the CARICOM/OAS
Mission to Haiti.
The Minister highlighted the efforts which have been made by
the OAS and CARICOM aimed at facilitating an environment conducive
to a return to normalcy in Haiti. He informed the Conference
of the positive steps being taken by the Government of Haiti
which had sought to implement the undertakings urged upon it
by the international community and the opposition parties in
Haiti. They urged the political parties in Haiti to complete
negotiations on the Initial Accord so that the agreement could
be signed without further delay thus allowing the release of
much needed financial and other resources from the international
financial institutions and the donor community for the development
of Haiti. They noted that in an effort to conclude an agreement,
the Joint OAS-CARICOM Mission would return to Haiti shortly.
Heads of Government noted that the Commission of Inquiry established
under the aegis of the OAS had completed its work and that its
report is available to the public at large. They welcomed the
news that the Government of Haiti will ensure that payment is
made on the reparations being sought and recommended by the Advisory
Council on Reparations also established under the aegis of the
OAS with regard to the incidents of 17 December 2001.
They also noted that security and the need for disarmament remain
critical issues which will require the support of the international
community.
Heads of Government recognised the work to be undertaken by the
OAS Special Mission to Haiti. The Mission will focus on security;
justice; human rights and democratic development, governance
and institution building. They noted that support for this Mission
had been received from a large number of countries and organisations
including the Caribbean Community and its member states, underlining
the international response to developments in Haiti.
Heads of Government reiterated their calls on the international
community for the release of much needed funds for Haiti.
CIVIL SOCIETY ENCOUNTER: FORWARD TOGETHER
Following the agreement taken at
the Thirteenth Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference in Belize
in February 2002, Heads of Government participated in the discussions
with Civil Society during the Encounter: Forward Together which
took place on the morning of Wednesday, 3 July; and received
the Summary Report and the recommendations of the Civil Society
Conference held in Guyana on 2-3 July 2002.
The Civil Society Encounter: Forward Together held on 2-3 July
2002 was attended by approximately 150 representatives of Civil
Society, 11 Heads of Government and representatives of regional
institutions, including: the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB),
the Caribbean Association of Industry and Commerce (CAIC), the
Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL), the Caribbean Policy Development
Centre (CPDC), the University of West Indies (UWI) and the University
of Guyana (UG).
NGOs representing the interests of women, youth and people with
disabilities as well as the Private Sector and Trade Unions/Labour
made recommendations on Human Resource Development with Equity;
CSME and Competitiveness; and Governance and Participation which
were considered by the Heads of Government on 3 July 2002.
Recognising the challenges to the Caribbean and the vital role
which Civil Society in partnership with Governments can play
in developing and implementing appropriate response to these
challenges, consensus was reached on the Liliendaal Statement
of Principles on Forward Together which is attached to
this Communique.
Heads of Government expressed their gratitude to the donor countries
and institutions that provided support for this important Regional
undertaking.
THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY IN THE INTERNATIONAL
ARENA
CARICOM Heads of Government reviewed
their participation in international fora addressing social,
economic, commercial and cultural issues that impact directly
on the sustainable development of all Member States. CARICOM
Heads of Government raised with their respective colleagues at
the hemispheric and international levels the promotion of the
agenda for small states, the need for special and differential
treatment for small economies in the context of liberalisation
of the global economy, recognition of the multifaceted nature
of security threats to the socio-economic fabric of the Community
(HIV/AIDS, environmental issues, poverty, natural disasters,
narco-trafficking, trans-national organised crime), as well as
the need for coherence in the trade and developmental policies
of the industrialised world towards developing countries. These
discussions were held in fora ranging from the High-level meetings
with the President of the United States, the Prime Ministers
of the United Kingdom and Canada, the Third Summit of the Association
of Caribbean States, the First CARICOM-SICA Summit, the Commonwealth
Heads of Government Meeting, the Rio Group Summit, the Second
CARICOM - Spain and the Second European Union/Latin America and
the Caribbean Summits and the World Food Summit.
Heads of Government also expressed concern that the requested
level of assistance for developing countries was not forthcoming
at developmental type international summits and conferences such
as the International Conference on Financing for Development
(March 2002) and the World Food Summit Five Years Later
(May 2002). They expressed the hope that this trend would change
at the forthcoming World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD)
and that adequate means would be provided for the effective implementation
of the Plan of Action to be adopted at that Summit.
Heads of Government engaged in an exchange of views on issues
of regional and international importance with the Secretaries-General
of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), the African, Pacific
and Caribbean Group (ACP), the Commonwealth, the Organisation
of American States (OAS) and the Director-General of the Food
and Agricultural Organisation (FAO).
Heads of Government reviewed with the Director-General of the
FAO, the global issue of food security following the recent World
Food Summit and more specifically food security in the Caribbean.
They were concerned at the prospect for increasing food insecurity.
Heads of Government therefore gave their full support to the
initiative to develop a CARIFORUM Special Programme for Food
Security
Heads of Government discussed with the Secretary-General of the
ACP, developments in the preparation for negotiations with the
European Union for the new economic relationship after 2007.
They stressed the need to maintain the solidarity of the ACP
and to that end welcomed the Third Meeting of the Heads of Government
of the ACP in Nadi, Fiji, on 18-19 July 2002.
Heads of Government received a Report from the Secretary-General
on developments in the Commonwealth since the Meeting in Australia.
They were pleased with the effort of the Commonwealth Secretariat
to advance the interest of Small States and requested the CARICOM
Secretariat to study and advise them on the proposal on "Lowering
the Threshold: Reducing the Costs and Risk of Private Direct
Investment to Less Developed Countries and Small Vulnerable Economies".
Heads of Government held frank discussions with the Secretary-General
of the Organisation of American States (OAS) on issues pertaining
to democracy and good governance, Haiti, security, as well as
trade matters being addressed within the Free Trade Area of the
Americas (FTAA) that are of concern to CARICOM Member States.
The Secretary-General commended Barbados on hosting what he termed
the best OAS General Assembly in terms of the cultural, logistical
and preparatory aspects at which the multidimensional nature
of hemispheric security, including non-traditional threats was
accepted. Continued CARICOM coordination on this issue will be
required in preparation for the 2003 Conference on Hemispheric
Security to take place in Mexico.
In their exchange of views with the Secretary-General of the
Association of Caribbean States (ACS), Heads of Government discussed
issues of particular interest to the Community pertaining to
tourism and air transport, private sector interests and the importance
of promoting the principles agreed to at the Third Summit of
the ACS (December 2001).
External Negotiations
Heads of Government reviewed the
Region's preparations in relation to the commencement of ACP-EU
negotiations for Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs), its
involvement in the process to create a Free Trade Area of the
Americas (FTAA) by 2005, and Post-Doha negotiations in the World
Trade Organisation (WTO). The outcome of these negotiations will
have far-reaching implications for the economies of CARICOM countries.
They noted the quickening pace of international negotiations,
emphasised the requirement for coherence in the Region's positions
in all negotiating theatres with due regard to sequencing in
making commitments. They recognised that negotiations are assuming
increasing technical complexity with political implications requiring
increased deployment of expertise and other resources.
Heads of Government stressed the importance of the WTO negotiations
which will serve as the basis for all trade agreements. They
reiterated the need for active participation by Member States
in the revision of WTO rules particularly as they relate to regional
trade agreements, to the development of provisions on special
and differential treatment for developing countries and to the
Work Programme on Small Economies. They also underlined the necessity
for the multilateral trading system to ensure an equitable distribution
of the gains from multilateral trade liberalisation to enable
small developing countries to reap development benefits.
Heads of Government reaffirmed their commitment to the preservation
of ACP unity and solidarity in pursuing the best interests of
the small vulnerable states of the Region in the negotiations
with the European Union (EU). They expressed satisfaction and
support for the negotiating guidelines recently adopted by the
ACP Council of Ministers in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic, in
view of the formal launching of the ACP-EU EPA negotiations scheduled
for 27 September 2002 in Brussels. In this context they highlighted
the importance of participating in the ACP Summit which takes
place in Fiji on 18-19 July 2002.
Heads of Government noted that the FTAA process has reached a
critical stage of negotiating the details of an eventual agreement.
They resolved to continue the Region's involvement in the FTAA
process on conditions which take due account of the capacity
limitations of CARICOM Member States as small economies to meet
deadlines and engage in liberalisation commitments.
Heads of Government reviewed the status of bilateral trade agreements
and negotiations and reiterated their intention to quicken the
pace of the negotiating process for enhanced trade relations
with Canada. They also agreed to negotiate a Free Trade Agreement
with Costa Rica based on the existing Draft Agreement between
Trinidad and Tobago and Costa Rica.
Candidatures
Heads of Government endorsed the
following major candidatures:
(i) Trinidad and Tobago's bid to be the site of the Permanent
Secretariat of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA);
(ii) Saint Lucia for the Presidency of United Nations General
Assembly (2003-2004) at elections to be held during 58th UNGA
in September 2003;
BORDER RELATIONS
Belize/Guatemala
Heads of Government received a
report from the Prime Minister of Belize on the progress of the
Facilitation Process under the auspices of the Organisation of
American States to achieve a definitive settlement of Guatemala's
territorial claim to Belize.
They noted that the Facilitators are expected to submit their
proposals for settlement for the consideration of both governments.
They encouraged both parties to continue their commitment to
work towards a definitive settlement and reiterated their firm
support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Belize.
Guyana/Venezuela
The Conference welcomed the efforts of Guyana and Venezuela
to improve their bilateral relations as exemplified by the accession
of Guyana to the Caracas Energy Cooperation Agreement in December
2001 and the convening of the Second Meeting of the Guyana-Venezuela
High-Level Bilateral Commission earlier this year.
Heads of Government noted with satisfaction the renewed commitment
of the Governments of Guyana and Venezuela to the Good Offices
of the United Nations Secretary-General. They reaffirmed their
support for the territorial integrity of Guyana and its sovereign
right to develop all of its territory.
OECS/Venezuela (Bird Rock)
With respect to the OECS/Venezuela (Bird Rock) issue, it
was noted that at the Fifth Meeting of the Council for Foreign
and Community Relations (COFCOR) , Ministers agreed that there
was need for further legal and technical work to be done to inform
CARICOM's strategy and approach. The OECS Secretariat, at the
request of the COFCOR, transmitted pertinent documentation to
the CARICOM Secretariat and will cooperate in further consultations
for this analysis to be undertaken.
Heads of State and Government reaffirmed their commitment to
the development of an appropriate strategy in relation to Bird
Rock, particularly in the interest of the OECS countries.
FOREIGN POLICY STRATEGY
Recalling that one of the objectives
of the Treaty of Chaguaramas is the coordination of foreign policy
and acknowledging that the thrust towards the establishment of
a Single Market and Economy (CSME) would require increased coordination
and harmonisation of foreign policy issues, Heads of Government
endorsed the revised foreign policy strategy which was submitted
from the Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR).
The revised foreign policy strategy focuses on the fundamental
principles that govern foreign policy coordination and execution,
a CARICOM World View, global projections, community priority
areas and issues and the mechanisms to be used by the Community
in carrying forward the strategy.
REQUEST FOR CLOSER RELATIONS WITH THE
COMMUNITY
Heads of Government welcomed the
expression of interest expressed by Puerto Rico and Cuba in developing
closer ties with the Community.
THE COMMUNITY AT 30 (1973-2003)
Heads of Government noted that
the year 2003 would mark a major milestone in the life of CARICOM
the 30th Anniversary of the establishment of the Caribbean
Community and Common Market. The Treaty was signed on 4 July
1973, in honour of the birthday of Norman Washington Manley,
a leading advocate of the West Indies Federation and one of Jamaica's
national heroes. The Treaty and its Annex (setting out the details
of the Caribbean Common Market Arrangements) came into effect
on 1 August 1973.
During this first generation of the Community's existence, there
have been significant changes within CARICOM, the wider Caribbean
and internationally.
Heads of Government agreed to undertake a discussion on the Community
at 30 at their Fourteenth Inter-Sessional Meeting with a view
to determining a framework for further progress.
THE LILIENDAAL STATEMENT OF PRINCIPLES ON 'FORWARD TOGETHER'
The Civil Society Forward Together Conference, a historic
consultation between the representatives of Civil Society in
the 15 Member States of the Caribbean Community and the Heads
of Government held at the Ocean View Hotel, Liliendaal, Guyana
on
2-3 July 2002:
RECOGNISED the increased challenges to the Caribbean Community,
posed by globalisation and the resulting complex economic, trade,
environmental, social and legal issues.
DEEPLY CONCERNED about social conditions prevailing in
the Community with regard to increasing transnational crime linked
to trafficking in illicit arms and drugs; money laundering; the
widening negative impact of terrorism; the migration of scarce
skills; racism; ethnic insecurity, the high incidence of male
dropouts; increased violence against women and children; persistent
and increasing poverty, and the HIV/AIDS pandemic eroding the
Region's human capital.
ALSO RECOGNISED that the objective of achieving the Caribbean
Single Market and Economy (CSME) is not only a response to globalisation,
including the impending Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA),
but is of the greatest value for a more coordinated system to
enhance the Region's competitiveness, given our historical realities.
ACKNOWLEDGED that Civil Society has a vital role to play
in the development of regional, political and social policies,
the development of those programmes and frameworks currently
in existence, their modification, where necessary, and the creation
of new areas as required.
CONSIDERED that the establishment of mechanisms for continuous
dialogue between the Conference of Heads of Government of the
Caribbean Community and Civil Society is an essential way to
complement relevant programmes to ensure social reconstruction,
cohesiveness, peace, poverty reduction, and equity that would
enhance
regional integration and make the Community more economically
viable.
AFFIRMED in this context, the importance of programmes
with regard to youth, labour, the elderly, people with disabilities,
women, men and gender relations; sport, labour, education and
training, health and access to technology; and programmes aimed
at promoting respect for the rights and aspirations of our indigenous
peoples.
AGREED on several broad principles for strengthening the
relationships between the Caribbean Heads of Governments and
national governments and the Civil Society as follows to -
(a) Institutionalise the Forward Together process in the
form of more regular
engagements between the Civil Society and the Heads of Government,
a triennial engagement as suggested;
(b) Emphasize the need for more constructive participation
of Civil Society
representatives in appropriate decisions making Organs of the
Community such as the Council for Trade and Economic Development
(COTED), the Council for Finance and Planning (COFAP), the Council
for Human and Social Development (COHSOD), etc;
(c) Establish a Task Force, comprising a small representative
group of the Civil
Society, coordinated by the CARICOM Secretariat, to develop a
comprehensive regional strategic framework for carrying forward
the main recommendations of Forward Together Conference
and report to the Conference of Heads of Government at its next
Inter-Sessional Meeting in 2003.
The work of the Task Force should be guided by the recommendations
of the three Working Groups at the Forward Together Conference
(i) Human Resource Development with Equity, including issues
in relation to Gender, Youth and Persons with Disabilities, Migration
and the Diaspora;
(ii) Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) - Capital Investment
and requirements for competitiveness; and
(iii) Governance and Participation.
STATEMENT ON THE SITUATION IN GUYANA
Heads of Government were greatly disturbed by the acts of
violence committed on July 3, 2002 by bands of persons who flouted
the law with the intent of creating social disorder.
They strongly condemned the attack on the Office of the President
and the criminal acts which led regrettably to assaults on innocent
persons, loss of life and the destruction of property in the
city.
They reiterated their commitment to uphold and respect the traditional
democratic values of the Community. Among these values is the
commitment to respect for the institutions of Government and
to the holding of periodic elections for the people to determine
the government of their choice.
In this context, they recalled that CARICOM, along with a number
of highly reputable international organizations and other entities
had observed the last election held in Guyana and had found that
it had been freely and fairly conducted. It was therefore their
view that the result should be fully accepted.
Heads of Government reiterated their condemnation of any attempt
to use extra-constitutional and illegal means aimed at removing
democratically elected Governments from office. Such actions
were contrary to several international resolutions, including
the Inter-American Democratic Charter, which have been agreed
upon by all hemispheric states.
Heads of Government reaffirmed the need for all parties to adhere
to the principles of the rule of law and the peaceful resolution
of controversies through dialogue and negotiation.
Le Meridien Pegasus
Georgetown, Guyana
July 5, 2002
STATEMENT ON THE REPORT OF THE REGIONAL TASK FORCE ON CRIME
AND SECURITY
Recognising that security threats, concerns and challenges
in the hemispheric context are multidimensional, the Regional
Task Force on Crime and Security sought to find a formula to
ensure more effective, preemptive and response measures to the
upsurge in crime and threats to security, at the national and
regional levels.
Since some of the fundamental causes of crime in our societies
revolve around poverty, inequality and social marginalisation,
and are fueled by illegal firearms and ammunition, deportees,
drug trafficking and corruption, the Conference of Heads of Government
endorsed the Task Force's recommendations on the need for a developmental
and multi-sectoral approach through public policy planning and
execution of crime prevention initiatives over a long term.
In addressing the immediate needs to arrest the escalating levels
of crime and violence the Conference agreed on the following
initiatives, which were recommended by the Task Force:
1. Establishment of broad-based National Commissions on Law and
Order;
2. Preparation and implementation of National Anti-Crime Master
Plans;
3. Strengthening of border control measures especially at seaports
and airports;
4. Strengthening the Information and Intelligence exchange regime
as an essential element in the fight against illegal drugs, firearms
and terrorism;
5. Implementation of an aggressive programme aimed at taking
guns off the streets;
6. Establishment of a Regional Mutual Legal Assistance Regime;
and a Regional Exchange of Prisoners Agreement;
7. Engagement of the International Community in discussions regarding
mutual support for our crime control efforts and a critical review
of the existing policy against illegal drugs.
The Conference of Heads also recognized the need for further
scientific investigations with a view to arriving at a clearer
understanding of the values that underlie the social choices
that lead to criminal behaviour and endorsed the recommendation
of the Joint Meeting of Attorneys General and Ministers responsible
for National Security which in reviewing the report prior to
its submission, called for more work to be done to ascertain
the types of societal values and attitudes which result in behaviour
breaching the Rule of Law. Aware of some of these contradictions,
the Joint Meeting of Ministers recommended that drug abuse be
treated primarily as a public health issue with emphasis on the
reinforcement of values. The Conference of Heads endorsed this.
Since the deepening of the integration process through the establishment
of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy renders the Region more
vulnerable because of the freer movement of capital, people,
goods and services, the Conference reiterated its commitment
to the international fight against drug trafficking, terrorism
and transnational organized crime.
STATEMENT ON THE CARIBBEAN COURT OF
JUSTICE
1. The 23rd Conference
of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community recalled
the initiative taken at its Meeting in 1998 to establish a Caribbean
Court of Justice (CCJ) as the final step towards the completion
of political independence and affirmation of sovereignty. They
stressed the historic significance of the unanimous decision
taken at the present session of the Conference, which paved the
way for the establishment of the Court and for making it operational
by the second half of 2003.
2. In this context, Conference determined to establish a Trust
Fund capitalised in the amount of US$100m., the proceeds of which
would defray the expenses of the Court on a financially sustainable
basis and which would guarantee its complete independence.
3. The Conference also recognised the critical role of the Court
in the efficient functioning of the CARICOM Single Market and
Economy (CSME) and, in particular, in guaranteeing certainty
in the applicable norms, which is indispensable for macro-economic
stability and foreign direct investment in the Community.
4. The Conference further determined that the establishment of
the Court would replace the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council
as the Final Court of Appeal and enhance access to justice by
all citizens of the Caribbean. Heads of Government also reflected
on the doctrinal disposition of the Judicial Committee of the
Privy Council in recent years to reverse its decisions with unacceptable
regularity thereby contributing to uncertainty in the law and
erosion of confidence in the administration of justice. The Heads
were convinced that the establishment of the Court would ensure
greater certainty in the law and promote the further development
of Caribbean jurisprudence.
OPENING REMARKS BY MR. EDWIN W. CARRINGTON, SECRETARY-GENERAL, CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE TWENTY-THIRD MEETING OF THE CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF GOVERNMENT OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY
National Cultural Centre
Georgetown, Guyana
3 July 2002
His Excellency, the President of Guyana
and Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Government;
Other Heads of State and Government of the Caribbean Community;
Other Heads of Delegations;
Honourable Ministers;
Members of the Diplomatic Corps;
Representatives of Regional and International Organisations;
Distinguished Delegates;
Professor Rhoda Reddock;
Other Specially Invited Guests;
Members of the Media;
Ladies and Gentlemen;
Boys and Girls;
It is my privilege, honour and pleasure
this evening to welcome you to this, the Twenty-Third Meeting
of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community.
A special welcome to the Conference of Heads of Government is
extended to the new Prime Minister of The Bahamas, Hon. Perry
Christie. We look forward with anticipation, Hon. Prime Minister,
to your contribution to the building of a viable Caribbean Community,
including the Single Market and Economy. A special "welcome
back" is extended to the Prime Minister of
Trinidad and Tobago, Hon . Patrick Manning, who exactly a decade
ago, served as Chairman of this Conference and made a lasting
contribution to the design and functioning of the Community as
it is now structured. We look forward, Hon. Prime Minister, to
another seminal contribution.
Distinguished Heads of Government, Ladies and Gentlemen, as we
enter tomorrow, the 30th year in the life of the Caribbean Community
- making it the longest surviving, functioning integration grouping
among developing countries in the world, there are grounds for
a measure of celebration. But there are grounds moreso for stocktaking
and rededication. Our agenda, emphasising as it does, the Community
at 30, should help us to do so. More importantly, it should help
us to begin to set the course for completing the Single Market
and Economy and for moving beyond.
I see before me the homestretch of implementation, but we must
now race to the finish line - the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.
The prize is well within our grasp, but we must act with haste
to seize it with both hands.
But what is the true substance of that prize? It is the opportunity
to enable the people of the Caribbean Community to secure for
themselves and their offspring, a viable and prosperous society
- a society able to take its place in the global community.
The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States sub-region of the
Community, which celebrated its 21st Anniversary on June 18,
has already indicated the determination of its members to move
ahead. They should not only be congratulated but emulated as
well.
Thirteen years ago (in 1989) at Grand Anse, Grenada, our visionary
leaders took the bold decision to move CARICOM from a Common
Market to a Single Market and Economy. No one at that time had
even conceived of a Free Trade Area of the Americas. Fortress
Europe was three years away. But out leaders, sensing the impending
tidal wave of liberalisation and globalisation, sought then to
devise practical means of protecting and advancing our social
and economic well-being. Subsequent events have confirmed their
wisdom and foresight. That imperative is even more urgent today
as we seek not only to establish a platform for our continuous
development, but also a springboard to engage the international
community in the various fora that demand our involvement.
Let us, as Caribbean People, not delude ourselves. There is no
way that our small and vulnerable states can hope, on their own,
to dodge between the raindrops of the deluge of globalisation.
The cloak of deeper integration is our only shield against that
storm. Indeed, as it intensifies, we will all need to shore up
our defences by taking that step beyond the Single Market and
Economy.
The best birthday present therefore that we, the citizens of
the Caribbean Community, can give ourselves as we celebrate the
thirtieth anniversary of CARICOM next year, is to ensure that
by that time all instruments relating to the Single Market and
Economy have not only been signed and ratified but have been
put into national law by all Member States. That may sound like
a tall order, but with all hands on deck, I am confident that
it is one we can meet. As we heard this morning at the Civil
Society Encounter with Heads of Government, the People's support
is there and it is clear that the political will is also there.
We would need both to face the reality of having to devolve some
degree of national sovereignty to the regional centre without
which we cannot have a truly effective Single Market and Economy
- the only means to reinforce our common sovereignty in a world
dominated by large countries and powerful economic blocs.
Distinguished Heads of State and Government, Ladies and Gentlemen,
we can therefore countenance no further delay. Nor can we afford
to have the well-being and future of our Community compromised
by insularity. Instead, we must have faith in ourselves and each
other as we advance along the road of regional integration. Let
us never forget the words of one of the Founding Fathers of our
Caribbean Community, the then Prime Minister of Trinidad and
Tobago, on the occasion of the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas
in 1973: "...all our strength is in our union, all our
danger is in discord."
Over the last two days, we have seen the fruits of another
far-reaching initiative of the Conference of Heads of Government
with the staging of the Civil Society Encounter, Forward Together.
There, the participants were quite clear about the paramount
importance of the regional interest. This point of view, coming
so soon after a similar call, for the early establishment and
functioning of the Single Market and Economy, from the business
community at the Caribbean Transnational Conference in Jamaica
last April, underscores the fact that all sectors of our Community
are ready and willing to take the next step on the way forward.
The People were asked for their views and they have spoken unequivocally.
We ignore them at our peril!
Two weeks ago, in the spirit of CARICOM Day celebrations 2002,
I undertook a whirlwind mission to North America to meet with
the diaspora and hear their views. The message from Ottawa, Washington
D.C. and New York was the same: We are ready. How can we become
more involved in developing our Region? The enthusiasm and
concern reached across all strata. They also asked me to convey
to Heads of Government their very best wishes for a successful
conference.
Mr. Chairman, our Community is on the brink of something special.
Yesterday, July 2, 2002, was a landmark in the building of our
Community, as indeed it was for the wider Caribbean. The Government
of Haiti has deposited its Instrument of Accession with the CARICOM
Secretariat, thus completing the necessary legal requirements
for its formal entry into our Community. It is an act of the
greatest historical significance for the Caribbean.
Today, we are also pleased and proud to welcome the Cayman Islands
as the newest and fourth Associate Member of our Community.
And adding distinction and, indeed, lustre to this evening's
proceedings, we will be conferring the CARICOM Triennial Award
for Women on the seventh recipient, Professor Rhoda Reddock of
Trinidad and Tobago.
When added to the recently concluded Civil Society Encounter,
these events demonstrate clearly a Community on the move.
But there are still many obstacles to our progress and not all
externally imposed. Our challenge must therefore be to remove
now, those hurdles that divide us for, who knows, if we miss
this train, we may never catch another one. It may well be the
last train to Caribbean Unity. ALL ABOARD ?!
I thank you.