Basseterre, St. Kitts (June 20, 2006): In an overwhelming show of solidarity, third world countries voted today for the IWC to assist with covering the expenses of the IWC58 meeting which concludes here today.
The vote, however, though split down the middle with a 30/30 result, was not enough to win the floor as some four countries abstained from voting on the matter. Additionally, representatives from one country likely to vote in favour of the IWC's financial assistance to the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis for hosting the event were not present during the vote.
This proved a sobering reminder to delegates from small island developing nations of their weakened and consistently challenged position in global affairs with the removal of preferential treatment in trade.
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In a factual presentation of the Federation's unforeseen financial challenges, the main culprits being the closure of the sugar industry in 2005 as well as the increased oil prices internationally, Minister of Agriculture Hon. Cedric Liburd presented a solid case for assistance.
The main recommendation in this proposal was for the IWC to use some of its financial reserve which is over budgeted by 50% to assist the Federation in meeting conference costs.
Of the developed nations present only Norway and Japan voted in favour of this assistance. The main reason cited by developed country delegates for voting against the use of reserves was the apprehension to face their government officials at home to justify having approved the use of the IWC's reserves in such a manner.
They expressed certainty that this would be tantamount to a very unpleasant return to their authorities who would ~~Adz:Right~~disapprove such assistance on the grounds that it would put demands on future dues of their countries to the IWC.
Minister Liburd thanked the countries which had supported the position of St. Kitts and Nevis with special commendation to Norway and Japan for actively displaying empathy to the Federation and not being intimidated by being among the minority in their ranking (developed countries). The United States delegation though voting no to assistance pledged the amount of US $30,000 as part of a bilateral agreement unassociated with the IWC.
