The Thirteenth Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean
Community was held in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago during the period 29
June – 2 July 1992.
Heads of Government in attendance were The Rt. Hon. Erskine Sandiford, Prime Minister
and Minister of Finance and economic Affairs, Barbados; The Rt. Hon. George Price,
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Belize; Hon dame Mary Eugenia Charles,
Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Dominica; The Rt. Hon. Nicholas Braithwaite,
Prime Minister and Minister of External Affairs, Grenada; His Excellency Hugh
Desmond Hoyte, President of the Cooperative Republic of Guyana; Hon. Percival
J. Patterson, Prime Minister of Jamaica; Hon. Reuben Meade, Chief Minister of
Montserrat; Dr. the Rt. Hon. Kennedy Simmonds, Prime Minister and Minister of
Foreign Affairs, Home Affairs and Finance, St. Kitts and Nevis; The Rt. Hon. John
Compton, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, Planning and Development, Saint
Lucia; The Rt. Hon. James Mitchell, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance, St.
Vincent and the Grenadines; Hon. Patrick Manning, Prime Minister of Trinidad and
Tobago. The Antigua and Barbuda delegation was led by Hon. Lester B. Bird,
Minister of External Affairs, Planning and trade, while Hon. Sir Clement Maynard,
Deputy Prime and Minister of Foreign Affairs and Public Personnel, headed The
Bahamas delegation.
Also in attendance at the deliberations of the Conference was Hon. Ralph O’Neal,
Deputy Chief Minister representing the British Virgin Islands, an Associate Member
of the Caribbean Community.
Mr Rodrick Rainford, Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community chaired the
Opening Ceremony held on the evening of Monday, 29 June 1992 at the Trinidad Hilton
Hotel, Port-of-Spain, Hon. Patrick Manning, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago
delivered the Opening Address. In his statement Prime Minister Manning emphasised
that “Integration is not only about action in the political or economic spheres”.
In his view, actions taken within CARICOM should “not only build on our common
heritage and aspirations but strengthen the common identity of our peoples”.
He also urged that the Region needed to formulate a strategy which would effectively
deal with the unprecedented challenges inherent in the evolving international
system. He foresaw that “any such plan must be a redesigned and strengthening
Caribbean Community.”
Statements were also delivered by Dr. the Rt. Hon. Kennedy Simmonds, Prime Minister
of St. Kitts and Nevis; Hon. Percival J. Patterson, Prime Minister of Jamaica;
and His Excellency Hugh Desmond Hoyte, President of the Cooperative Republic of
Guyana.
Heads of Government elected Hon. Patrick Manning, Prime Minister of Trinidad and
Tobago as Chairman of its Thirteenth Meeting. They acknowledged the sound
leadership provided during the past year by the outgoing Chairman of the Conference,
Dr. the Rt. Hon. Kennedy Simmonds, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, and
thanked him for his dedicated attention to the affairs of the Community during
his incumbency in the office of Chairman.
Heads of Government extended congratulations to Hon.P.J. Patterson on his appointment
as Prime Minister of Jamaica, and welcomed him in that capacity to the Conference.
Heads of Government also extended congratulations tot he Rt. Hon. John Compton
on the renewal of his mandate in the recent general elections in his country,
Saint Lucia.
ORDER OF THE CARRIBEAN COMMUNITY
Heads of Government were pleased that the Opening Ceremony of their Thirteenth
Meeting was the occasion for the formal conferment of the Order of the Caribbean
Community on the first awardees, Hon. William G. Demas, Governor of the Central
Bank of Trinidad and Tobago, former Secretary-General of CARICOM and former President
of the Caribbean Development Bank; Hon. Sir Shridath Ramphal, former Commonwealth
Secretary-General and Chairman of the West Indian Commission and Hon. Derek Walcott,
renowned West Indian poet and playwright.
Heads of Government conveyed their warmest felicitations to the first awardees
for their outstanding contributions to the development of the Community and also
for the brilliant example they have set for their fellow CARICOM nationals.
OVERVIEW OF THE INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENT
Heads of Government express their awareness of the fact that the fundamental changes
in international political and economic relations that started in recent years,
have continued apace, bringing into focus each passing day, the emergence of new
political and economic relationships.
They recognised that the consolidation of the European Community is being maintained,
with the Community establishing dynamic integration linkages with other countries
in Europe. The break-up of the old order in Eastern Europe and the former
Soviet Union, continues inexorably to work itself out, liberating in the process
new political and economic interests and energies that are seeking to establish
trade, aid, investment and political links with the industrialised countries multilateral
institutions that have been the traditional sources of support for the development
of CARICOM Countries.
Heads of Government noted with interest the continuing effort of Canada, Mexico,
and the USA to crate a North American Free Trade Area (NAFTA) among themselves
which could lead to a substantial restructuring of trade, aid and investment relations
in the hemisphere. They acknowledged once more that this process of transformation
presents far-reaching new challenges which Member States can meet only through
the deepening and widening of the integration movement and by achieving increasingly
higher levels of efficiency.
INTERNATIONAL ECONOMIC ISSUES
Heads of Government examined the recent developments in the international economic
environment. These developments were characterised by the slow pace of economic
recovery in the industrialised countries and a slow-down in the rate of growth
of world trade. At the same time, they noted that, among other things, the
continuing failure to conclude the Uruguay Round of Multilateral Trade Negotiations
and various aspects of the process of consolidation of economic blocs in Europe
and in North America create uncertainties about the Region’s future economic prospects.
They expressed their determination to take all steps necessary to ensure that
the access and preferential benefits which the Region currently enjoys in its
traditional markets are preserved while intensifying efforts are made to strengthen
its international competitiveness.
With respect to international finance they observed that the demand of the economies
in the Least Developed Countries and those in transition in Eastern Europe could
adversely affect the prospects for increased official financial flows to the developing
countries. They emphasised the importance of increasing the flow of investment
resources into the Region and agreed to continue their efforts to create the environment
which would stimulate the flow of such investment.
Heads of Government expressed their concern that the issue of relief for debt
owed to the multilateral financial institutions still remain unsettled.
They reiterated their call to the international community to continue the effort
to devise creative approaches for addressing and resolving debt problems, especially
those of middle-income countries.
THE WEST INDIAN COMMISSION
In the context of this awareness of the complete revision of the international
status quo and of the dangers, as well as the opportunities that arise from, Heads
of Government expressed their pleasure at the completion of the mandate of the
West Indian Commission (WIC), established by their Grand Anse Declaration of 1989,
and welcomed with much satisfaction the presentation by its Chairman during their
Thirteenth Meeting of the Report of the Commission. They were particularly
pleased with the wholehearted responses received from citizens of CARICOM and
others during the hearings and public meetings conducted by the Commission throughout
the Caribbean and beyond.
Heads of Government took note of the central recommendations in the Commission’s
Report concerning basic and fundamental changes in the structural arrangement
for decision-making and implementation processes in CARICOM, as well as the many
wide ranging recommendations on numerous sectoral and policy issues affecting
the life of the Community. They acknowledged that once again, as at the
Chaguaramas Summit in 1973, CARICOM was at a `defining moment’ in its evolution,
and agreed that it was “Time for Action”. In this context they decided
to meet again in Special Session on 28-30 October to consider the WIC Report and
to determine the action to be taken on its recommendations.
THE REGIONAL ECONOMY
Heads of Government reviewed the recent trends in the regional economy.
They observed that in all but three Member States, the gross Domestic Product
in 1991 registered either reduced rates of growth or outright declines.
They noted that prospects for the coming months were not favourable and that this
situation makes it imperative for the people of the Region to practise discipline,
hard work and self- restraint. They committed themselves to the implementation
of the measures necessary for stimulating economic growth and for achieving increased
international competitiveness so as to provide the foundation on which the future
welfare of the people of the Region will rest.
TRADE IN BANANAS AND SUGAR
Heads of Government considered the question of the Region’s trade in Bananas and
Sugar and issued statements on the matter.
TRAVELLING IN THE REGION
Heads of Government were pleased that, under the leadership of the Prime Minister
of Grenada, and since they last reviewed the matter of travelling in the Region
at their Inter-Sessional Meeting held in Jamaica in February 1992, most Member
States had taken steps to facilitate travel by CARICOM nationals within the Region,
through the acceptance of forms of identification other than passports and through
the establishment of common lines of entry for citizens and residents of CARICOM
States. Heads of Government also noted that the few remaining states which
have already agreed in principle to, but have not yet implemented these measures
have given an undertaking to do so shortly.
Heads of Government also noted plans by the secretariat to convene a Meeting in
Trinidad and Tobago of Chief Immigration and Customs Officers to develop strategies
to support policies and arrangements for easing the problems of intra-regional
travel. They looked forward to the development and implementation of schemes,
with the involvement of the private sector, for the promotion of youth exchange
visits within the Community, which they are confident could only lead to the fostering
of closer ties among the people of the Region.
FREE MOVEMENT OF SKILLS
Heads of Government reaffirmed their commitment to the principle of Free Movement
of Skills in the Region. They complimented President Hugh Desmond Hoyte
of Guyana on the work he had done towards the facilitation of free movement of
skills in the Region. They regretted the slow pace of progress toward this
goal and invited President Hoyte to continue his efforts on the matter through
appropriate consultations.
SINGLE MARKET AND ECONOMY
Heads of Government were gratified that under the leadership of the Prime Minister
of Barbados, emphasis continues to be placed by Governments within the Community
on the movement towards the creation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.
While regretting the slight decline in intra-regional trade indicated for 1991,
they nevertheless remained confident that with the progressive establishment of
all the elements of the Single Market, a framework will have been created within
which intra-regional and extra-regional trade can be stimulated. In addition,
they also approved the Buy-Caribbean Programme and adopted the Buy-Caribbean Resolution
as attached.
In this regard Heads of Government, recalling the lead that they had already given
in the Grand Anse Declaration, registered their acceptance and endorsement of
the main elements that comprise the CARICOM Single Market and Economy as well
as the schedule for its implementation. In view of the developments in the
international economy, they approved a set of measures designed to move the process
forward in a concerted and integrated manner.
They were particularly encouraged by the progress that had been made, under the
leadership of the Prime Minister of Jamaica in developing arrangements for the
establishment of a regional CARICOM Investment Fund which they hope, will in due
course take its place as a strategic component in the regional institutional infrastructure
for the free movement of capital.
MONETARY UNION
Heads of Government received a Report from the Prime Minister of Trinidad and
Tobago on progress made towards monetary integration. The Report reviewed
the current macro-economic environment and performance of the various Member States
and noted the differences therein and the need for adjustment and stabilisation
in some countries. The Report also identified the costs and benefits involved
in the process.
They noted that the Report however proposed that the movement towards monetary
integration should take place in three phases with the goal of attaining full
union by the year 2000. The first phase would involve the coordination of
monetary policies and the movement towards interaregional currency convertibility.
This stage would be initiated with the formalisation of a Council of Central Bank
Governors. State two would require the maintenance of parities within an
agreed band by those countries which have not yet achieved macro-economic stability.
At stage three, on agreement by the Heads of Government, a Caribbean Monetary
Authority would be established with power to issue a single currency. This
Authority would be accountable to a Council of Ministers of Finance.
Heads of Government noted the report and endorsed the approach towards the achievement
of monetary union.
REGIONAL MARITIME TRANSPORT
Heads of Government noted with regret that unfavourable financial circumstances
had led to the cessation of the operations of the West Indies Shipping Corporation
(WISCO). Notwithstanding this development, however, they reiterated their
commitment to the provision of adequate shipping services in the Region.
In that connection, Heads of Government welcomed the recommendations of
the Standing Committee of Ministers responsible for Transportation that private
sector equity participation and management be sought with a view to the provision
by September 1992 of shipping and passenger ferry services to meet the needs of
the Region and, that Member Governments would, on a national basis, seek to make
appropriate arrangements to facilitate the movement of carriers into and out of
their ports.
PRIVATISATION OF BWIA AND LIAT
Heads of Government noted the report of the Prime Minister of St. Vincent
and the Grenadines on efforts towards the privatisation/divestment of LIAT and
BWIA. They agreed that regional Governments should take steps to privatise
LIAT expeditiously and supported the decision of the Government of Trinidad and
Tobago to proceed with its own divestment of BWIA and to allow equity participation
by CARICOM Institutions and nationals in BWIA. Having regard to the critical need
of maintaining the operations of a truly regional carrier in the Caribbean, they
strongly urged those Members States in the Eastern Caribbean controlling international
airports to designate BWIA as their national airline and formalise Bilateral Air-Services
Agreements with Trinidad and Tobago by 30 September 1992.
CARIFESTA
Heads of Government applauded the preparations of CARIFESTA V which is to be hosted
by the Government of Trinidad and Tobago from August 22-28, 1992.
Heads of Government noted that the range of activities being planned included
symposia, Regional exhibition of Visual and Plastic Arts, a Regional grand Market
and a Village of Indigenous People. They expressed the view that the major
symposia to take place during that week which would focus on arts and culture
in development, would be of particular relevance in determining the scale, scope
and operational arrangements for future CARIFESTAs.
Reiterating that excellence should be the hallmark of CARIFESTA V, Heads of Government
looked forward to the celebration of a “CARIFESTA Week” in their respective countries
coinciding with the celebrations in Trinidad and Tobago.
TOURISM
Heads of Government expressed satisfaction at the progress made in the implementation
of several of the decisions taken at the CARICOM Tourism Summit in February this
year. They were particularly impressed with the collaboration of the public
and private sectors in the establishment of the Marketing Trust Fund and the development
of the marketing programme. They reiterated their conviction that joint
and coordinated action by the public and all segments of the private sector is
critical to the success of the industry in this very competitive international
environment. In this context they were concerned that the cruise-ship lines
have not yet agreed to mobilise the portion of the marketing budget allocated
to them. They confirmed their willingness to discuss this and other issues
with the cruise lines and appoint Dr. the Rt. Hon. Kennedy Simmonds, Prime Minister
of St. Kitts and Nevis to head a team of Ministers to meet with senior Executives
of the cruise lines.
Heads of Government welcomed the progress being made with the Cruise lines to
increase the sourcing of supplies in the Region and to deal with environmental
concerns. They looked forward to continued action in these areas.
Heads of Government were extremely disappointed to learn of the delay in the implementation
of the European Marketing Programme. They urged the European Community to
ensure that there was no further undue delay.
CARIBBEAN DISASTER EMERGENCY RESPONSE AGENCY
Heads of Government expressed satisfaction that the Caribbean Disaster Emergency
Response Agency (CDERA) established in accordance with a decision of their Eleventh
Meeting, came into operation in September 1991, with Headquarters in Barbados.
They expressed the view that this Agency will be of strategic significance in
the overall regional management of disaster preparedness and prevention and looked
forward to the full development of its role. They noted with satisfaction
the initial activities under taken by CDERA and expressed appreciation to Barbados
for the Headquarters facilities provided.
They welcomed in particular the financial and other forms of support to the Agency
which have been forthcoming from the United Nations Development Programme and
other international aid agencies, and looked forward to the maintenance of this
support in the future.
CHOLERA
Heads of Government acknowledged and supported the continuing efforts being made
by the several agencies in the Health Sector to guard against any further occurrences
of cases of Cholera in the Region.
They also endorsed the strategies advocated by the Conference of Minister of Health,
for implementation of national emergency. Cholera preparedness plans and
the putting in place of acceptable levels of infrastructural capacity to give
adequate coverage and protection against Cholera and other communicable diseases
as the Region moves towards attaining the wider goal of Health for all by the
year 2000.
Heads of Government reaffirmed their commitment, made at the first Regional Economic
Conference held in Trinidad and Tobago in February 1991, and more recently enunciated
in Agenda 21 adopted at the United Nations Conference on Environment and Development
to promote an inter-sectoral approach to the development planning process which
would pay due attention to the inextricable relationship between Health and Development
and which would seek to incorporate the principles of sustainable development.
CARIBBEAN SUMMIT FOR CHILDREN
Heads of Government commended Prime Minister Sandiford on his presentation
of the Report on the Caribbean Summit for Children which was held in Barbados
in November 1991. They noted the Summit’s mandate seek the promotion and
enhancement of not only the rights of the Region’s children but also the safeguards
which protect the quality of life for them. They also noted the eight recommendations
of the Summit and agreed to sue their best endeavours to implement them at the
national and regional levels.
CARICOM-CANADA RELATIONS
Heads of Government the convening of April 1992 of the Sixth Meeting of the CARICOM/Canada
Joint Trade and Economic Committee (JTEC) and in this connection, they referred
to the traditional special relationship that has historically characterised relations
between CARICOM Member States and Canada and looked forward to the continuing
development of that relationship.
They drew attention to the increasing importance of that special relationship
particularly in light of the ongoing changes in the international political and
economic environment and reaffirmed their appreciation of Canada’s stated commitment
that the volume of resources being channeled to the Region would not be affected
by the increasing Canadian interest in other areas of the world.
They reiterated their commitment to work towards increased levels of technical
and economic cooperation between the Caribbean Community and Canada.
CARICOM-USA JOINT COUNCIL
Heads of Government welcomed the convening in April 1992 of the First Meeting
of the CARICOM-United States Trade and Investment council which provided a useful
forum for the discussion of mutually agreed trade issues. They reiterated
their position that within the context of the Enterprise for the Americas Initiative
(EAI) full account must be taken of the differences in the economic structures
and circumstances of the Parties.
Heads of Government emphasised the importance of expanding trade relations with
the USA to the development of their economies, and in this regard noted the list
of “agreed action items” prepared by both parties and urged that efforts be made
to deal with the matters expeditiously.
CARICOM/CENTRAL AMERICA RELATIONS
Heads of Government welcomed the further development of relations between
the Caribbean Community and Latin America. They particularly welcomed
the developments aimed at the strengthening of relations between the Caribbean
Community and the countries of Central America, particularly the convening in
Honduras in January 1992 of the First Ministerial Conference between CARICOM
and the Countries of the Central American Isthmus.
Heads of Government expressed their readiness to work towards greater understanding
by the Central American States with regard to the Region’s trade in bananas.
CARICOM/VENEZUELA RELATIONS
Heads of Government welcomed the progress made towards the conclusion of an
Agreement between the Caribbean Community and the Republic of Venezuela on trade
and Investment. They urged that the necessary action be undertaken in
good time to enable the Agreement, the draft of which was finalised by the CARICOM/Venezuela
Joint Council in June 1992 to enter into force by 1 January 1993.
HAITI
Heads of Government were pleased to hold audience with President Jean Bertrand
Aristide of Haiti during the course of their Meeting and to receive from him
and the Secretary-General of the OAS a status report/update on development in
Haiti.
They deplored the fact that the return of the democratically elected Government
of Haiti had not yet been realised despite the several resolutions passed at
the level of the OAS General Assembly on initiatives aimed at isolating the
illegal regime in Haiti and to restore democracy in that country. They
noted with regret that these Resolutions, including that contained in the Nassau
Agreement had not been fully implemented by all OAS Member States and urged
countries parties to these Resolutions to introduce as a matter of priority,
legislation which would enable the provisions of the Nassau Agreement to be
upheld.
In doing so they also called on the international community to continue to support
the principle of the evolution of democracy in Haiti. They reiterated
their support for the Protocol signed at Washington under the auspices of the
OAS as the basis of resolving the conflict.
Heads of Government reiterated the special concern of the people of the Caribbean
Community for the people of the Caribbean Community for the people of Haiti
and looked forward to the day when Haitian people would once more enjoy their
democratic rights. In this regard they expressed concern over the plight
of the Haitian Refugees and welcomed the assistance granted by UNHCR. They reiterated
the call made upon the International Financial Institutions as well as donor
countries, by their Foreign Ministers, to make available the necessary resources
to assist in the development of Haiti once agreement has been reached for the
restoration of constitutional Government.
Heads of Government decided to pursue a new initiative by seeking to mobilise
the resources of the United Nations to assist in resolving the Haitian crisis,
and agreed to pursue this objective through the OAS.
CUBA
Heads of Government expressed satisfaction at the normalisation of relations
between Grenada and Cuba. They considered that this development paved
the way for the resumption of formal contacts, including the joint development
and implementation of technical cooperation programmes, between the Community
and that neighbouring Caribbean country in areas of mutual interest. In
this connection, they noted with satisfaction that Cuba had been admitted to
the membership of the Caribbean Tourism Organisation and agreed to establish
a CARICOM/Cuba Joint Commission, both of these providing yet other avenues for
co-operation.
OBSERVER STATUS ARUBA
Heads of Government approved the granting of Observer Status to Aruba in a number
of Institutions of the Caribbean Community.
BELIZE/GUATEMALA
Heads of Government welcomed the recent positive developments in the relationship
between the Governments of Belize and Guatemala.
They expressed confidence that the time was propitious to move forward on the
major initiative taken by Belize and Guatemala to end the ancient controversy.
The Heads of Government reaffirmed support for the sovereignty and territorial
integrity of Belize.
They viewed Guatemala’s recognition of the Independence of Belize and the establishment
of diplomatic relations between the two countries as positive developments facilitating
the deepening of relations between Member States of the Caribbean Community
and the countries of Central America.
GUYANA/VENEZUELA
Heads of Government reviewed the developments in the relations between Guyana
and Venezuela.
Heads of Government expressed their satisfaction with the positive expansion
of functional cooperation in several areas between the two countries and also
took note of the inter-play of current developments within the general context
of the bilateral relationship.
Heads of Government reaffirmed their confidence that Guyana and Venezuela would
continue to explore all initiative under the auspices of the Secretary-General
of the United Nations to advance the McIntyre Process in the search for a peaceful
resolution of the controversy arising from the Venezuelan territorial claim.
In taking note of these several developments, Heads of Government reaffirmed
their support for the territorial integrity of Guyana.
UNITED NATIONS CONFERENCE ON ENVIRONMENT AND DEVELOPMENT (UNCED)
Heads of Government took particular note of the recent United Nations Conference
on Environment and Development (UNCED) in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, June 3-14,
1992. It brought together political leaders of over one hundred and seventy
countries and many international, regional and sub-regional inter-governmental
organisations and provided an occasion for a meeting of non-governmental organisations
from all over the world.
They were pleased that the Conference dealt with environment and development
in an integrated manner and that many issues of particular concern to CARICOM
countries were addressed. These included the sustainabiltiy of islands,
and alleviation of poverty, the sustainable development of all types of forest
and the environmentally sound management of solid wastes.
In that context, Heads of Government were particularly pleased that eight CARICOM
Member States were among some one hundred and fifty four countries which signed
the Framework Convention on Climate Change and the Convention on Biodiversity.
They welcomed the information that the remaining CARICOM States would sign the
tow Conventions in New York as soon as possible. They urged early ratification
of the two Conventions to make them operative. They noted that while the
provisions of these two Conventions were not as strong and as binding as CARICOM
States had expected, they would if honestly implemented, mitigate some threats
which Caribbean Small Island and low-lying coastal developing States face, and
lead to the conservation and beneficial utilisation of rich terrestrial and
marine diversity.
They expressed the hope that the Parties of the Convention would initiate action
to strengthen these Conventions through appropriate Protocols or other means.
Heads of Government expressed satisfaction that a basis has been laid for a
balanced approach to the treatment of the world’s forests. They reaffirmed
their acceptance of the importance of sustainable management of all forests.
They recalled their support for the Government of Guyana/Commonwealth Iwokrama
Tropical Forestry Programme and welcomed the support given to this initiative
in Rio.
Heads of Government committed themselves to participate fully in,
and to take advantage of, the new international institutional arrangements and
facilities which will complement their own efforts to address environment and
development concerns at national and regional levels. In this regard,
they agreed that the Task Force which prepared the regional positions for UNCED
should continue to operate with a view to facilitating the implementation of
the decisions of UNCED.
Heads of Government commended President Hoyte for the effective coordination
of CARICOM efforts in the preparatory process and at the Conference in Rio.
DRUGS
Heads of Government were deeply concerned that the Caribbean Region has become
a significant transshipment point for illicit drugs targeted at the North American
and European markets. In addition they recognised the acute danger posed
to the social fabric of CARICOM Member States by drug addiction and drug trafficking
whose devastating and destabilising effects are well documented.
They accepted proposal by the Trinidad and Tobago government that a two-part
Conference of Ministers and High Level Officials be held in Port-of-Spain with
a view to assessing and identifying the scope and nature of the problem and
the existing and proposed measures to combat it; evaluating the progress achieved
in pursuit of the Action Plan adopted by the Caribbean Ministerial Law
Enforcement Conference, held in Kingston, Jamaica in October 1989; and developing
a revised Action Plan with firm proposals for follow-up action and for monitoring
its implementation.
DEVELOPMENTS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA
Heads of Government reviewed developments in South Africa with a deep sense
of disquiet. They expressed their general concern at the climate of violence
directed principally against members of the African National Congress and specifically
condemned the recent massacre of over forty Africans at Boipatong. Mindful
of the gross inhumanity of this slaughter, and of its adverse implications for
the Convention for a Democratic South Africa (CODESA) negotiating process and
progress towards a free and democratic South Africa, Heads of Government were
determined to do all in their power to contribute to a reversal of these trends.
In this connection they recall with satisfaction the action they have been able
to take through the Commonwealth.
As a first step they joined in the call issued during their Conference in Port-of-Spain
by the Organisation of African Unity, meeting simultaneously at the Summit in
Dakar, for an emergency meeting of the United Nations Security Council to consider
these developments in South Africa.
Both in the context of that Meeting of the Security Council and more generally,
Heads of Government reiterated their solidarity with the anti-apartheid struggle
and called on the South African regime to take immediate measures to bring its
police and security forces under effective control. In expressing their
full support for the call by the African national Congress for an international
investigation of the Boipatong massacre, they called on the South African regime
to move rapidly to restoring a climate propitious to the resumption of the CODESA
negotiating process on a basis of reducing intransigence from the regime, and
the establishment of a democratic non-racial South Africa.
In transmitting their sentiments of solidarity and support to the President
of the African National Congress, Nelson Mandela, whom they had recently received
in the CARICOM Region, Heads of Government gave the assurance that they stood
ready, if present trends in South Africa were not rapidly reversed to join in
re-mobilising the international community through all appropriate means in the
struggle against apartheid.
SECRETARY-GENERAL
Heads of Government expressed their profound appreciation and gratitude to Mr
Roderick G. Rainford for his outstanding contribution to the Community over
the several years of his association with it.
Heads of Government expressed particular satisfaction with Mr Rainford’s efficient
and dedicated service during the period of his tenure as Secretary-General,
during which the Community was required to confront many critical challenges
both at the regional and wider international levels.
They conveyed their very best wishes for his continued success and expressed
the hope that the Community would be able to draw on his expertise in the future.
Heads of Government look forward to the tenure of Mr Edwin Carrington as the
new Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community and reaffirm their confidence
in his ability to steer the Community during this critical period when once
more the regional integration movement has arrived at a significant milestone
in its existence.
DATE AND VENUE OF NEXT MEETING
Heads of Government reaffirmed their earlier acceptance of the offer of the
Government of The Bahamas to host the Fourteenth Meeting of the Conference.
They accepted the offer of the Government of Barbados to host the Fifteenth
Meeting.
Heads of Government also accepted the offer of the Government of Trinidad and
Tobago to host the Special Meeting of the Conference which will convene 28-30
October, 1992 to consider the Final Report of the West Indian Commission, and
the offer of the Government of Dominica to host the Fourth Inter-Sessional Meeting
of the Conference.
PORT OF SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
2 July 1992
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