Caricom leaders and their representatives pose for a photo at the conclusion of their retreat at the BK Quarries resort in the Mazaruni
Caricom leaders have agreed to put on hold the full implementation of the Caricom Single Market and Economy, saying the region was better off consolidating the gains made under the single market component before taking further action on elements such as the creation of a single currency.
This was one of the decisions taken at a weekend retreat held at BK Quarries in the Mazaruni. In a statement issued on Sunday, May 22, the heads said that as regards the single economy, they recognise that the process towards full implementation would take longer than anticipated, and have agreed it may be best to pause and consolidate the gains of the single market before taking any further action on certain specific elements of the single economy, such as the creation of a single currency.
Having received a report from the Search Committee which they had established to identify a new secretary general, the leaders at the retreat agreed that the persons short-listed for the position would be subjected to further processes, with a view to taking a final decision by July 2011.
Job creation
According to the statement, the heads of government have rededicated themselves to achieving tangible results from the integration process, with emphasis on job creation and improving the lives of the people of the community. They emphasised the need to focus on building a greater sense of community and shared values as a Caribbean people and society, while recognising that while the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) provided a platform for attaining further economic development of the community, its ultimate goal was to provide a better quality of life and greater prosperity for the peoples of the community.
Against the background of new challenges which have emerged, and the important trends of the future, the leaders agreed to identify practical initiatives in specific economic areas which would redound to the benefit of the people of the community in the shortest possible time. “To this end, heads of government agreed that the current review of the secretariat should take into account the strengthening of the institution, to enable it to play an enhanced role in the area of mobilising substantial resources for concrete projects in the areas identified. The restructuring should also allow the secretariat to assist and advise member states with implementation; offer greater technical advice, and address its ability to provide practical deliverables in the immediate and long terms,” the Caricom statement said.
It added that the leaders pointed to the fact that much had been accomplished in the region in human and social development, particularly in health and education, as well as in the establishment of the single market. They emphasised the need for greater public awareness of the achievements of the community.
Treaty
Additionally, the heads also recommitted themselves to the principles of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, affirming that although these were envisioned in an environment vastly different to that which currently exists, they remain as valid today as they were when the revised treaty was adopted in 2001. “The challenges of that period remain, and others have been added, some posing existential threats to the region – such as climate change and the financial crisis. By the same token, more opportunities for development have arisen; for example, in the area of information and communication technologies – both as an industry in its own right as well as an enabler of development,” the Caricom heads said.
According to the statement, the leaders also reaffirmed their commitment to the movement of skilled nationals and all the related decisions previously taken in that regard. Recalling their mandate to the Inter- Governmental Task Force to negotiate a protocol on contingent rights in respect of those rights which were agreed, they underscored the need for certainty and transparency in accordance with such rights. In respect of governance, they reaffirmed the decision taken at their Inter- Sessional Meeting in Grenada in February to await the completion of the current review of the Caricom Secretariat, before taking any firm decisions towards the establishment of the Permanent Committee of Caricom Ambassadors (PCCA).
In addition to President Bharrat Jagdeo the other heads who attended the retreat were: Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Baldwin Spencer; the Prime Minister of Barbados, Freundel Stuart; Prime Minister of Belize, Dean Barrow; Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit; Prime Minister of Grenada, Tillman Thomas; Prime Minister of Jamaica, Bruce Golding; Chief Minister of Montserrat, Reuben Meade; Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Denzil Douglas; Prime Minister of St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr Ralph Gonsalves; and Vice President of Suriname, Robert Ameerali.
Saint Lucia was represented by June Soomer, Ambassador to the OECS and to Caricom. The acting Secretary General of the Caribbean Community, Ambassador Lolita Applewhaite, was also in attendance. Heads of government expressed sincere appreciation to the government and people of Guyana for their gracious hospitality and excellent arrangements which facilitated their very fruitful discussions, the statement said.
