CARICOM Consults Saint Lucian Civil Society |
Contact: John Emmanuel
Wednesday, October 24, 2001 –
Saint Lucia was the venue last Friday for the ninth
in a series of consultations which the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat
is having with civil society in member states, as preparations move forward on
the establishment of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
The St. Lucia consultation, overseen by the Ministry
of Foreign Affairs and International Trade in conjunction with the Ministry of
Community Development, brought together over 45 persons from a wide cross
section of society representing religious organizations, trade unions, the media
and youth and community groups.
In an address, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry
of Community Development, Hon. Jon
Odlum, said Caribbean people, now more than ever, needed to prepare themselves
to deal with the eventuality of the
CSME.
Saint Lucia’s recently appointed Ambassador to CARICOM,
His Excellency Anthony Severin, expressed the view that one of
the major impediments to the establishment of the critical Single Market
and Economy, was the people of the
region themselves.
CARICOM Secretary General Edwin Carrington said the recommendations from the St.
Lucia consultation would be included in a background document for the Regional
Encounter of Civil Society now scheduled for Barbados in early 2002.
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