September 1, 1997 -
Discussions commenced here this morning on a series of consultations, on the instruments
that will amend the treaty of Chargaramus - establishing the Caribbean Community and
Common Market.
The instruments are Protocols 2,3,4 5, and will examine issues ranging from the rights of
CARICOM nationals, to establish enterprises and provide services within the Single Market
and Economy....to industrial policy, trade liberalization and common external policy,
together with agricultural policy.
Protocol 1 has already been signed by all participating countries, and Protocol two has
been signed by all with the exception of Montserrat and St. Lucia, which at the last
summit of CARICOM heads earlier this year, delayed from signing the agreement, to allow
for more broad based consultation at the local level.
But since Protocol 2 has already been signed by most countries, it's uncertain to what
extent its content can be significantly amended...the way forward on that will take place
later. However St. Lucia is expected to contribute significantly towards the shaping and
framing of protocols 3.4. & 5
And the initiative to consult the wider Caribbean population on the amendments to the
treaty, is being seen in the context of extending the integration process to involve the
everyday man in the street..therefore making regional integration more meaningfully.
And as proponents of the single market initiative zoom in on the opportunities, 1999 is
being forecast at as the year when the major elements of the single market, are to fall in
place.
But that will only happen if Caribbean nationals begin to take seriously the challenges
facing the islands, not only from within, but on the international scene as well.
And that's where the treaty's various amendments come in, via a series of protocols, nine
in all, deepening the integration process, while strengthening the institutional and other
arrangements in support of the process.
