He noted that several issues were raised during the meeting. The issue raised by Venezuela against Barbados was of interest to the region. It was noted that Barbados had imposed restriction on importation of Citrus from Venezuela without scientific evidence or any justification as to why.
It was also noted that in keeping with WTO policy, one cannot impose restrictions without proper justification, so the Barbados representative stated that he would take up the issue with his government, so that both countries can compromise without the issue reaching WTO.
A paper submitted by Canada, was adopted and that the content will ensure that small developing countries, like St. Kitts and Nevis would receive special and differential treatment from the larger countries.
Evelyn noted that the trip for the agriculture officers in the region was made possible by an initiative from IICA and the United States Government, where most of the funding came from the United States Government.
Meanwhile, the Communications Officer observed that the 11th conference of the Amblyomma Programme Council of the Caribbean Amblyomma Programme, hosted in Nevis was a success.
He said, “The deliberations were quite good, quite intense and there were a number of resolutions, recommendations and decisions that were taken during three days of deliberations.”
Some of the recommendations were that islands should continue or intensify their surveillance effort, and that there was need for the continued co-operation of all the farmers.
According to Evelyn, in the islands of Nevis and St. Martin where the tick population was very, very low, a call was made for them to maintain the status quo and to try and prevent any further spread of the devastating pest of the tropical bon tick.
He however, stated that the sister islands of St. Kitts and St. Lucia who were certified two years ago as tick free, were decertified.
