UK-Caribbean Forum concludes with ministers Optimistic about development prospects
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- Published on Monday, 23 January 2012 19:45
- Written by Super User
British and Caricom Ministers ended their UK-Caribbean Forum confident that much was done to improve the socio-economic conditions in the region as well as re-position London as a major aid donor to the Caribbean.
The forum was held under the theme “Prosperity towards sustainable growth” and St. Kitts-Nevis Foreign Minister Sam Condor told reporters that the meeting was fruitful.
Britain’s foreign and Commonwealth Office Minister for the Caribbean, Jeremy Browne, described the deliberations as “fruitful and productive” noting that the talks ranged from economics to climate change as well as foreign policy matters.
An agreement was reach that will explore all avenues, including the economic partnership agreement (EPA) that was signed between Europe and the Caribbean forum (Cariforum) countries in 2008 that will improve access for Caribbean exports of goods and services to Britain.
Britain on the other hand agreed to assist the Caribbean to improve food security through measures aimed at enhancing the efficiency of production and distribution systems and the economic security of producers.
The meeting also agreed to develop effective coordination mechanisms to help take forward the partnership in the fight against drugs and international Crime. This includes the establishment of a UK-Caribbean expertise exchange mechanism, to promote best practices on security issues across the region.
There was also agreement to establish with the full collaboration of the united states, a regional network of land-based law enforcement units trained and equipped to a common standard.
The Ministers also agreed to remain “Engaged in negotiations to conclude an arms trade treaty in 2012 and for the successful outcome of the review conference of the UN plan of action to prevent, combat and eradicate the illicit trade in small arms and light weapons.”
On the issue of climate change, there was agreement to collaborate closely on this issue, and ministers have recognized that the business- as-usual-trend is likely to lead to Catastrophe. However, on the controversial Air Passenger Duty (APD) which is expected to take effect from April of 2012, the meeting agreed to continue dialogue in the spirit of cooperation.
