Press release 109/2004
(4 July 2004)

Mr. Chairman Colleague Heads of State and Government Honourable Ministers Secretary General Delegates Specially Invited Guests of International Organisations Members of the Diplomatic Corps Ladies and Gentlemen:

Introduction

Let me first thank the Government and people of Grenada for their cordial welcome and gracious hospitality. I extend warm congratulations to the Prime Minister of Grenada, Dr. the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell on his assumption once again, of the Chairmanship of the Caribbean Community.

I wish also to extend a special welcome to our outgoing Chairman, Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer, to his first Regular Meeting of our Conference and to Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit on whom the mantle of leadership in Dominica has now fallen.

This venue is of historic significance as it was here in 1989 that a new chapter was opened in the region's quest to deepen Caribbean integration. The Grand Anse Declaration signaled the start of a bold new beginning.

As we gather for our 25th Conference of Heads, it is high time to complete the visionary agenda which was set 15 years ago to strengthen the Community in all of its dimensions and so equip us to respond adequately to rapid and tremendous changes in the global landscape.

Mr. Chairman,

Having regard to the decline in our fortunes at cricket, one is tempted to resist any reference, which might be reminiscent of the glory years. But the imagery of the game is so rich and extensive that it is almost impossible to resist.

My inclusion in today's batting order is attributable to the need for a night watchman to have occupied the crease until our outgoing Chairman could be called to the wicket. Little did I know how many bouncers and Yorkers I would have to face in fading light on a sticky pitch.

I am grateful to my colleague CARICOM Heads for their unwavering support in ensuring that the community did not flinch in asserting our commitment to upholding the democratic and constitutional process of regime change.

In the light of the fateful events on February 29, the litmus test of constitutional governance and democratic rule, obliged CARICOM to take the course of action we have to date pursued, in respect of the participation of Haiti's Interim Administration within our Council.

We must record our deep appreciation for the solidarity, which has been forthcoming from the African Union and a number of countries within our Hemisphere.

As we seek to chart the way forward let us not leave behind the fundamental principles, which are our compass. We need to be assured that there will be no sacrifice of the rights of all citizens in this our CARICOM family, to exercise their own democratic option and that their civil rights are duly protected.

The world is watching - the people of Haiti are waiting on us as we make our decision here.

Relationships within this Community must be based on commitment, shared values and mutual trust. These are essential in order to build an integration movement, which can command the full respect of our own people and those who cherish freedom everywhere.

Whatever we decide, we must continue to assist in the economic and social well being of that long beleaguered nation.

We are still doing so in tangible ways - advocating Haiti's case for substantial financial resources from the World Bank, the IDB and the EU, and even considering participation in the CDB.

The establishment of the CARICOM Taskforce and the work already being carried out by its Chief Coordinator reflect that commitment. Indeed, the work has become the more urgent in the wake of the suffering, death, devastation and destruction wrought upon sections of Haiti by the recent flood rains.

In our own small way, Jamaica was able to offer some assistance of supplies of water, food and medical items to the people of Haiti and the Dominican Republic. We commend those member countries that have done likewise.

Mr. Chairman, our Charter of Civil Society sets out benchmarks of political conduct. It may be opportune at this juncture to propose that this Charter should be elevated beyond an exhortatory framework for the Community's observance, into a binding document that is legally enforceable and one, which imposes meaningful sanctions for any breach. Such a step, here at Grand Anse, would be both fitting and timely.

Colleagues,

It is worth noting that the Grand Anse Declaration agreed on the need for greater collective effort for joint representation in international economic negotiations. Though the multiplicity of trade negotiations have proven to be a constant challenge for our member states, the region can be proud of its track record in these arenas and the added support of the Caribbean Regional Negotiation Machinery (CRNM) towards this end.

The geopolitical context in which the external trade negotiations are taking place is not propitious for substantial movement in at least two arenas - the FTAA and the WTO.

There has been little meaningful progress in the Doha Development Agenda. However, strenuous efforts continue to complete a framework at the WTO General Council meeting at the end of July. There still remain wide differences over agriculture, non-agriculture market access, special and differential treatment, the Singapore issues and cotton.

The continued delay in resumption of the FTAA negotiations, makes it virtually impossible to achieve the January 2005 deadline for conclusion of these negotiations.

The EPA negotiations are proceeding successfully having been launched in Jamaica in April of this year and the subsequent process of negotiations will continue until 2007.

The hiatus in the negotiations creates a breathing space which CARICOM must utilise to deepen its technical preparation and consolidate and strengthen it strategic political alliances. It is not time for complacency nor can we afford any abatement in the forces driving the negotiations.

It is imperative that the region continues preparation for international competitiveness and structural transformation. We must redouble its efforts to complete the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy and further slippage in completion of the CSME will deprive the region of an indispensable framework for our development and transformation.

It could also compromise the external trade negotiations which are conducted on schedules which we can influence, but do not control. The timeframes of the external trade negotiations and the CSME must therefore be kept in alignment.

Changing realities affecting the external trade negotiations may require us to re-think our goals, re-think our strategies and re-think our institutions. But CARICOM unity is not open for a re-think! Commonalities of size, the proven effectiveness of common action and the complexity of the challenges to be confronted, make it imperative that CARICOM remains united in goals, united in strategy and united in action.

The Current Agenda

The challenges and pressures we face today as a result of the rapid pace of globalisation, appear to be growing rather than receding. Indeed, the profound changes in the international environment since the adoption of the Grand Anse Declaration, have created new difficulties for small states. The threat of marginalisation remains real. Small economies such as ours are facing an increasingly hostile international environment with the possibility of being overlooked and even trampled.

As a collective instrument, CARICOM provides us significant coverage, greater clout and a stronger position from which to pursue our common interests in international economic fora. Admittedly, we continue to face an uphill battle in securing the necessary protection for mitigating the vulnerabilities and shocks in the global marketplace.

Additionally, there are growing political pressures from powerful interests in the wider world. All this makes it the more compelling for us to pursue the Grand Anse mandates laid down by our predecessors.

Ladies and gentlemen,

As we continue to work towards advancing the implementation of the CSME and the inauguration of the Caribbean Court of Justice, our most urgent task remains the sensitisation of our citizens. This is undoubtedly an area which requires closer and more aggressive attention. The goals of the integration movement can only be realised with the full support and participation of the people of the region. The media is pivotal to this process.

We also need to guard against the uncertainties about our ability to meet the deadlines, thereby sending the mixed signals to our citizens. We must continue to act decisively and cohesively and with expedition as time is not on our side.

Integral to this process is our consideration of the various options for governance of the affairs of the Community. I must confess a feeling of deep personal disappointment that we have not met the targets we set in the Rosehall Declaration of last year.

Without a doubt, the pace and extent of the Community's operations require appropriate policy and institutional support. Equally important is the machinery to ensure timely and effective implementation of our solemn decisions. These are issues we must finalise at in order to advance the Community's goals of even closer cooperation and unity.

Mr. Chairman,

As we deal with what are considered 'high profile' agenda items, other critical issues must occupy our time and attention. I speak of the problems of crime and security, particularly the pernicious actions of drug traffickers; the spread of HIV/AIDS; protection of the environment; building our scientific and technological skills.

We must seek to enhance the contribution of agriculture to regional development. Notwithstanding the pressures and barriers our primary commodities continue to face, agriculture remains an important lifeline for many of us.

West Indies Cricket brings us so much pride, joy, revelry and yes, at times disappointment and anger. It however, remains a key unifying force in nurturing the Caribbean identity. World Cup 2007 gives us a chance to showcase our talents, but also to present the warmth, vitality and professionalism of the Caribbean. We should therefore continue to provide the necessary political support and ensure that the region reaps the benefits, notwithstanding our respective national bids.

The Diaspora

Before closing, I wish to touch on an issue of great importance to Jamaica - the linkage with our West Indian Diaspora and the role they can play in our regional integration movement. In my contribution to the Distinguished Lecture Series in Brooklyn, last October, I sought to highlight the imperative of consolidating the Diaspora as an integral part of the life of the Caribbean Community.

The lobbying potential of the West Indian communities overseas is waiting to be tapped. There is therefore need for constructive engagement between the West Indian Diaspora and its CARICOM home region. Together we can advance concerns that are of common interest - relating to trade and investment, immigration policies and security concerns arising from the nexus of the narcotics trade, gun-smuggling and criminal deportees.

We need to remind ourselves often enough that we are seeking to build one Community - recognising that there several links in the Caribbean chain.

Conclusion

Mr. Chairman,

I reiterate that it is a fortuitous coincidence that we are meeting in Grand Anse at this time. We cannot but recall the farsightedness and vision of those who gathered here in 1989. This must propel us towards ensuring that that spirit of cooperation and unity is not diminished, but maintained and further strengthened. Let us resolve to fulfil the promise of Grand Anse and tackle our agenda with a determination that reflects our responsibility to fulfil the commitment made 15 years ago.

Having grasped the baton which was passed to us we must now successfully finish our leg of the relay.