March 14, 2014 -- CARICOM has underscored the importance of completing negotiations for a CARICOM – Canada Trade and Development Agreement.
The Region is preparing for the sixth Round of negotiations and the Heads discussed progress and the strategic direction for the forthcoming engagement with Canada.
This was one of the main items of deliberations at the Prime Minister’s residence in Kingstown on Wednesday during the Caucus Session of the CARICOM Intersessional Meeting, according to Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister, Dr. Hon. Baldwin Spencer.
He indicated that the meeting gave unambiguous direction on the Region’s negotiating position with a recognition that there continues to be optimism at the outcome of the negotiations with “our partner Canada”.
“Different options were explored within the context of our realities and steps the Region could take to advance the 6th Round of the negotiations” he said.
Acknowledging however that there were still some concerns, the Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister indicated “the readiness of countries to formalize an Agreement, which is development oriented”. “We will continue to seek flexibility in the negotiations while difficulties remain in the modalities” he said.
Among the other items discussed in caucus were the criteria for membership and Associate membership of the Community; the ruling of the Dominican Republic constitutional court on nationality; Implications for Decision-Making of the Shanique Myrie Ruling; Haiti in the CSME, including Visa Arrangements and the CARICOM Song.
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