Charlestown Nevis (July 4, 2006) Nevis' Premier, the Hon Mr. Vance Amory is expressing concerns over the possible outcome of the 27th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), currently taking place in St. Kitts.
The meeting which is currently on going at the Headquarters of the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank and sees heads of government from 15 nations Caribbean Community as well as Haiti, who seeks to re-enter the Caribbean Community, discussing a packed agenda which includes the transition into the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).
Speaking to GIS on Monday, Premier Amory noted that there would be previous issues relating to the OECS and the smaller developing countries which have not yet been dissolved being discussed.
"I am not and I won't predict what will happen at the meeting, but if the discussions which took place at the OECS meeting just a week and a half are indications, I do believe that the meeting are going to revolve around special considerations for the OECS," said Premier Amory.
In pointing out that it was his belief that the OECS countries will have a very difficult time transitioning into the CSME, he said, "In terms of the removal of duties, the fact that we can have easier access of persons and these are things which have to be resolved. We are also looking at the Caribbean Development Fund which is been proposed and I do believe that the amount of US$120 million is anywhere near what is required."
"I'm sure that during this meeting over the next couple of days that these matters will be looked at and I trust that we can have resolution otherwise we are going to end up in a stalemate," the Premier added.
The Nevisian Leader observed that one needed to reflect on some of the pronouncements made from previous OECS meetings saying, "The pronouncement with regards to Alien Land Holding Licence and the easy access to the purchase of lands from people within the region and within the island territories. We have to look at the issue of work permits and those issues are important."
"I am always of the view," said Premier Amory, "that you cannot forget of the sovereignty of countries regardless of how one wants to talk about greater collaboration and greater cooperation. There will have to be some give and take and there will also have to be some comprise on issues which are affecting the people."
"I trust for the good of the region that we can have a resolution on this CSME during this meeting, if not, at least see some greater light towards a resolution."
The Premier also expressed his belief on the issue of free trade and free movement saying, "we need to re-examine this matter of trade liberalisation and the whole issue of free trade and free movement because this will have as have been said a negative impact on a number of developing countries.
"The developing countries which have limited resources and which are dependent on the issue of import duties, the protection of their employment base and their economic base must be concerned," said Premier Amory.
Premier Amory explained that he did not subscribe to the issue that more trade brings development, noting, "what bring development is if there is investment which creates jobs and people are therefore able to work in their own locations rather than having to drift here and there looking for sustenance."
