BASSETERRE, St. Kitts, January 23rd, 2012 (CUOPM) – St. Kitts and Nevis’ Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Sam Condor says the just concluded Seventh United Kingdom-Caribbean Ministerial Forum has revitalised the partnership between the two regions as reflected in the 31-point Plan of Action agreed to.
Mr. Condor, who co-chaired the two-day forum with the United Kingdom Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs, the Rt. Hon. William Hague said the discussions, centered on economic resilience, climate change and security as well as the UK Air Passenger Duty (APD), which regional officials complain discriminates against the Caribbean.
The forum in Grenada was held under the theme, “Sustainable Growth Towards Prosperity.”
Minister Condor stated that the region’s tourism sector was staggering under the weight of the tax that has made travel very expensive.
He urged the UK to consider reforming the APD to level the playing field and provide a win-win situation for both regions.
The Caribbean is to receive £75 million (US$116.5 million) in development projects from the United Kingdom over four years to help with job-creation, improve security, and combat the threat posed by natural disasters and climate change.
Mr. Hague said the funds represent a considerable increase on previous aid budgets, signaling the strong commitment to the region.
“We are one of the few nations in the world that is maintaining its international development commitments at a time of financial difficulty. We will stick to our pledge to raise our aid to 0.7 of GNI (gross national income), and you will find us a reliable partner,” he told participants.
Foreign Secretary Hague said the core task of both regions was to create new opportunities for trade, investment and innovation in their respective economies.
Hon. Jeremy Browne, Minister of State, UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office described the two-day political dialogue as fruitful, noting that the Forum provided a framework for continuing activities with the High Commissioners in London.
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