From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Has the Caribbean benefited from EPA with Europe after a year?
Ronald Sanders
Sunday, April 18, 2010
The European Commission (EC) will be holding a symposium on April 22 and 23 on the year-old Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) between the European Union (EU) and 15 Caribbean countries.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"There is, as yet, no indication that Caribbean governments or the Caribbean Community (Caricom) Secretariat will be holding a similar exercise.
It has to be assumed that each of the governments that signed the EPA has long established units both to implement its terms and to monitor its effects on individual economies."
"In defence of several Caribbean heads of government, it should be noted that they were reluctant to sign and many did so only after their crucial exports of bananas, sugar and some manufactured goods (from Trinidad and Tobago, for instance) were threatened by the EC with a higher tariff in the EU market.
But if the EPA is to be properly reviewed - and it should be subject to such a review on an annual basis - it is essential to monitor its implementation and to gather information that will inform an examination."
"(E)Ven though Caribbean countries and the EU are supposed to be 'partners' under the EPA, the EC has denounced the Sugar Protocol causing Caribbean countries to lose their preferential price for sugar; the EC has agreed a new trade regime for bananas with exports from non-African, Caribbean and Pacific countries that will decimate what is left of the banana industry in the Caribbean; and come June 20, the EC will renege on an undertaking to the Caribbean rum industry to help finance restructuring and marketing, while at the same time reducing tariffs on competing rum from several Latin American countries."
"Unfortunately, there has not been much evidence of consultation. The experience of sugar, rum and bananas indicates that the EC now takes the Caribbean for granted. After all, they already have a signed full EPA with the region, so why would they overly concern themselves about the Caribbean?"
&
"Undoubtedly, the global financial crisis - as well as the failures of regional financial institutions - has battered Caribbean governments. All Caricom countries have been preoccupied with saving their economies from shocks, including worsening terms of trade especially with the EU - even though Guyana had 3.3 per cent growth in 2009."
Responses and previous commentaries: www.sirronaldsanders.com
Sir Ronald Sanders is a consultant and former Caribbean diplomat.
Showing posts with label CARICOM. Show all posts
Showing posts with label CARICOM. Show all posts
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Friday, May 28, 2010
JO - The 'Free Movement' Quiz For Caricom. Carrington sparks questions on labour mobility and help for Haiti.
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
The 'Free Movement' Quiz For Caricom
Carrington sparks questions on labour mobility and help for Haiti
RICKEY SINGH
Sunday, April 18, 2010
CARICOM Secretary General Edwin Carrington last week chose to raise hopes - amid prevailing disappointments - for progress in the "free movement of Caricom nationals" of the dozen countries participating in the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) project.
Read the whole article here.
Jamaica Observer
The 'Free Movement' Quiz For Caricom
Carrington sparks questions on labour mobility and help for Haiti
RICKEY SINGH
Sunday, April 18, 2010
CARICOM Secretary General Edwin Carrington last week chose to raise hopes - amid prevailing disappointments - for progress in the "free movement of Caricom nationals" of the dozen countries participating in the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) project.
Read the whole article here.
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
JO - Cases of 'bullying' US politics
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Cases of 'bullying' US politics
Analysis by Rickey Singh
Sunday, March 07, 2010
IT would be a pity if the rest of our Caribbean Community governments do not see it necessary to acquaint themselves with the circumstances of the current sharp dispute between Jamaica and the United States over Washington's demand for the extradition of Jamaican Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The very sovereignty of Jamaica seems to be at stake in its Government's defence of its constitutional right, within the framework of an existing bilateral extradition treaty it has with the USA, which would require extending that right for a ruling by the courts in Jamaica BEFORE Coke could be handed over to US authorities, or that such a process be denied."
"In a sense, the explosion of the bitter extradition row resulting from Jamaica's refusal to extradite Coke is a classic case of déjà vu in terms of relations between Washington and Kingston under different administrations.
As it was under previous governments of the now Opposition People's National Party (PNP), and the administrations of both presidents Bill Clinton and George W Bush, Jamaica remains a favourite "punching bag" in America's diversion to cover up its own woeful failures to effectively deal with its immense problem as the world's biggest consumer of illegal drugs as well as its involvement in gun-running linked to narco-trafficking."
"The 'Coke extradition case' reminds us of other instances of the USA wielding the 'big stick' to force small and poor states in this and other regions to genuflect to the assumed legal demands of Washington."
"Such is Washington's concept of "democracy" and "sovereignty' when dealing with small and poor states like ours in the Caribbean -- something for which it is occasionally applauded by sections of the region's media."
"In the current political episode involving Coke, Prime Minister Golding has made it clear that it is NOT a case of his Government's refusal to co-operate with Washington.
Jamaica's objection relates to the manner in which the USA was muscling its way to secure Coke's extradition, even to the extent of obtaining information illegally by violating key provisions of the Extradition Treaty between the two countries."
&
"He went on to state that "constitutional rights do not begin at Liguanea" (location of the United States Embassy in Kingston)."
Jamaica Observer
Cases of 'bullying' US politics
Analysis by Rickey Singh
Sunday, March 07, 2010
IT would be a pity if the rest of our Caribbean Community governments do not see it necessary to acquaint themselves with the circumstances of the current sharp dispute between Jamaica and the United States over Washington's demand for the extradition of Jamaican Christopher 'Dudus' Coke.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The very sovereignty of Jamaica seems to be at stake in its Government's defence of its constitutional right, within the framework of an existing bilateral extradition treaty it has with the USA, which would require extending that right for a ruling by the courts in Jamaica BEFORE Coke could be handed over to US authorities, or that such a process be denied."
"In a sense, the explosion of the bitter extradition row resulting from Jamaica's refusal to extradite Coke is a classic case of déjà vu in terms of relations between Washington and Kingston under different administrations.
As it was under previous governments of the now Opposition People's National Party (PNP), and the administrations of both presidents Bill Clinton and George W Bush, Jamaica remains a favourite "punching bag" in America's diversion to cover up its own woeful failures to effectively deal with its immense problem as the world's biggest consumer of illegal drugs as well as its involvement in gun-running linked to narco-trafficking."
"The 'Coke extradition case' reminds us of other instances of the USA wielding the 'big stick' to force small and poor states in this and other regions to genuflect to the assumed legal demands of Washington."
"Such is Washington's concept of "democracy" and "sovereignty' when dealing with small and poor states like ours in the Caribbean -- something for which it is occasionally applauded by sections of the region's media."
"In the current political episode involving Coke, Prime Minister Golding has made it clear that it is NOT a case of his Government's refusal to co-operate with Washington.
Jamaica's objection relates to the manner in which the USA was muscling its way to secure Coke's extradition, even to the extent of obtaining information illegally by violating key provisions of the Extradition Treaty between the two countries."
&
"He went on to state that "constitutional rights do not begin at Liguanea" (location of the United States Embassy in Kingston)."
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
re: "Britain Considers South Atlantic “Sovereignty” Rights"
Robert at Atlantic Crossings ("Between the Hudson Highlands and the South of England") comments on the nature of sovereignty as Argentina asks the Falklands question.
Money quote(s):
"Being next door to anywhere does not rightful sovereignty confer: if it did, for instance, England would still rule France."
&
"When that comes into existence, does that mean also that good parts of their populations will then also exclude the U.S.A. and Canada from their list of destinations for illegal entrance?"
"That" refers to BBC reports that "Leaders at the summit, between the Rio Group and the Caribbean Community (Caricom), are also said to have discussed plans for a new pan-American alliance which would exclude Canada and the United States".
Money quote(s):
"Being next door to anywhere does not rightful sovereignty confer: if it did, for instance, England would still rule France."
&
"When that comes into existence, does that mean also that good parts of their populations will then also exclude the U.S.A. and Canada from their list of destinations for illegal entrance?"
"That" refers to BBC reports that "Leaders at the summit, between the Rio Group and the Caribbean Community (Caricom), are also said to have discussed plans for a new pan-American alliance which would exclude Canada and the United States".
Friday, January 8, 2010
JO - Time to care again for Caricom
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Time to care again for Caricom
Sir Ronald Sanders
Sunday, April 26, 2009
IT seems that every time the countries of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (Caricom) make one step forward in the quest for deeper integration, they take two steps backward, and the goal becomes even more elusive.
Sir Ronald Sanders
There have been several recent manifestations of this, one of them being the approach to ALBA - the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas - created by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"One member government of Caricom is formally a member of ALBA and two others have indicated that they might join the organisation.
The government that has joined ALBA is Dominica and the governments that have announced their intention to do so are St Vincent & the Grenadines and Antigua & Barbuda."
"The known members of ALBA are: Venezuela, Cuba, Bolivia, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Dominica.
When ALBA was conceived, it was not a treaty organisation and its principles resided in economic co-operation arrangements which appeared to benefit countries that joined it with Venezuela being the principal donor."
&
"Since then, however, a military dimension has crept into the organisation. Both Venezuela's Hugo Chavez and Nicaragua's Daniel Ortega have argued that the member countries of ALBA "should work to form a joint defence strategy and start joining our armed forces, air forces, armies, navies, National Guards, and intelligence forces, because the enemy is the same, the empire (meaning the United States)"."
_____
Responses to: ronaldsanders29@hotmail.com
Sir Ronald Sanders is a consultant and former Caribbean diplomat.
Jamaica Observer
Time to care again for Caricom
Sir Ronald Sanders
Sunday, April 26, 2009
IT seems that every time the countries of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (Caricom) make one step forward in the quest for deeper integration, they take two steps backward, and the goal becomes even more elusive.
Sir Ronald Sanders
There have been several recent manifestations of this, one of them being the approach to ALBA - the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas - created by Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"One member government of Caricom is formally a member of ALBA and two others have indicated that they might join the organisation.
The government that has joined ALBA is Dominica and the governments that have announced their intention to do so are St Vincent & the Grenadines and Antigua & Barbuda."
"The known members of ALBA are: Venezuela, Cuba, Bolivia, Honduras, Nicaragua, and Dominica.
When ALBA was conceived, it was not a treaty organisation and its principles resided in economic co-operation arrangements which appeared to benefit countries that joined it with Venezuela being the principal donor."
&
"Since then, however, a military dimension has crept into the organisation. Both Venezuela's Hugo Chavez and Nicaragua's Daniel Ortega have argued that the member countries of ALBA "should work to form a joint defence strategy and start joining our armed forces, air forces, armies, navies, National Guards, and intelligence forces, because the enemy is the same, the empire (meaning the United States)"."
_____
Responses to: ronaldsanders29@hotmail.com
Sir Ronald Sanders is a consultant and former Caribbean diplomat.
Saturday, January 2, 2010
JG - Welcome! Our doors are open
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Gleaner
Welcome! Our doors are open
Published: Sunday May 17, 2009
Winston Sill/Freelance PhotographerMarco Vinicio Ruiz, minister of foreign trade, Costa Rica.
COSTA RICA is the first Central American country to establish a free-trade agreement with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) states. The Jamaican Parliament is still to ratify the agreement.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The Central American economic powerhouse of 50,000 square kilometres and 4.5 million people exports 4,000 products to 150 countries. Costa Rican companies export 60 per cent of their production. The country's per capita income of US$10,000 is the highest in Central America."
Jamaica Gleaner
Welcome! Our doors are open
Published: Sunday May 17, 2009
Winston Sill/Freelance PhotographerMarco Vinicio Ruiz, minister of foreign trade, Costa Rica.
COSTA RICA is the first Central American country to establish a free-trade agreement with Caribbean Community (CARICOM) states. The Jamaican Parliament is still to ratify the agreement.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The Central American economic powerhouse of 50,000 square kilometres and 4.5 million people exports 4,000 products to 150 countries. Costa Rican companies export 60 per cent of their production. The country's per capita income of US$10,000 is the highest in Central America."
Friday, May 22, 2009
JO - Technical team considering Dominican Republic's Caricom application
Jamaica Observer
Technical team considering Dominican Republic's Caricom application
BY ALICIA DUNKLEY Sunday Observer staff reporter dunkleya@jamaicaobserver.com
Sunday, May 10, 2009
CARIBBEAN Community (Caricom) heads are to once again consider an application from the Dominican Republic for membership in the 15-member grouping when they meet in July of this year.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The issue, which was one of the major items up for mention at the 12th Meeting of Caricom's Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR), has been referred to a technical team for further consideration."
Technical team considering Dominican Republic's Caricom application
BY ALICIA DUNKLEY Sunday Observer staff reporter dunkleya@jamaicaobserver.com
Sunday, May 10, 2009
CARIBBEAN Community (Caricom) heads are to once again consider an application from the Dominican Republic for membership in the 15-member grouping when they meet in July of this year.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The issue, which was one of the major items up for mention at the 12th Meeting of Caricom's Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR), has been referred to a technical team for further consideration."
Friday, April 17, 2009
JO - Caricom's conflicting signals
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Caricom's conflicting signals
ANALYSIS
RICKY SINGH
Sunday, June 29, 2008
LATEST INDICATION of significant differences among member governments of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) has come from Guyana on the eve of this week's 29th Caricom Summit that gets underway on Tuesday (July 1) in St John's, Antigua.
RICKY SINGH
It was the disclosure last Wednesday in Georgetown by President Bharrat Jagdeo that, based on further information and legal advice obtained, the Guyana Government may not join Community partners in signing next month the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) that was initialled last December in Barbados between representatives of the European Commission (EU) and CARIFORUM (Caricom plus Dominican Republic).
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Conflicting policies and attitudes towards advancing the process of free movement of Caricom nationals; differences over foreign policy issues as well as in approaches for attracting foreign investment and economic aid have also been causing concerns in more recent times among member governments and other stakeholders."
Jamaica Observer
Caricom's conflicting signals
ANALYSIS
RICKY SINGH
Sunday, June 29, 2008
LATEST INDICATION of significant differences among member governments of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) has come from Guyana on the eve of this week's 29th Caricom Summit that gets underway on Tuesday (July 1) in St John's, Antigua.
RICKY SINGH
It was the disclosure last Wednesday in Georgetown by President Bharrat Jagdeo that, based on further information and legal advice obtained, the Guyana Government may not join Community partners in signing next month the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) that was initialled last December in Barbados between representatives of the European Commission (EU) and CARIFORUM (Caricom plus Dominican Republic).
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Conflicting policies and attitudes towards advancing the process of free movement of Caricom nationals; differences over foreign policy issues as well as in approaches for attracting foreign investment and economic aid have also been causing concerns in more recent times among member governments and other stakeholders."
Sunday, April 12, 2009
LoveFM - CARICOM PASSPORT INTRODUCED IN BELIZE
From my archive of press clippings:
LoveFM
CARICOM PASSPORT INTRODUCED IN BELIZE
March 16, 2009
A few years of methodical planning and correspondence among countries in the Caribbean Community have yielded a regional ticket for travel within its member-states. Following the twentieth intercessional meeting of CARICOM Heads of State held in Belize last week the official travel document known as the CARICOM Passport was introduced to Belizeans this morning in Belmopan. Before an audience of foreign dignitaries and officials from the Immigration and Nationality Department Minister of National Security Carlos Perdomo was one of three recipients to be in possession of the new passport. Perdomo was also the guest speaker during the unveiling ceremony held at the George Price Center for Peace & Development.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The unique identity of the Belize (CARICOM) passport is the result of the pairing up of the Immigration and Nationality Department and its software developer 3M of Ottawa, Canada."
&
"Applicants and holders of current passports in need of renewal are advised that there is a lengthy waiting period and the process will only be expedited based on urgency."
LoveFM
CARICOM PASSPORT INTRODUCED IN BELIZE
March 16, 2009
A few years of methodical planning and correspondence among countries in the Caribbean Community have yielded a regional ticket for travel within its member-states. Following the twentieth intercessional meeting of CARICOM Heads of State held in Belize last week the official travel document known as the CARICOM Passport was introduced to Belizeans this morning in Belmopan. Before an audience of foreign dignitaries and officials from the Immigration and Nationality Department Minister of National Security Carlos Perdomo was one of three recipients to be in possession of the new passport. Perdomo was also the guest speaker during the unveiling ceremony held at the George Price Center for Peace & Development.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The unique identity of the Belize (CARICOM) passport is the result of the pairing up of the Immigration and Nationality Department and its software developer 3M of Ottawa, Canada."
&
"Applicants and holders of current passports in need of renewal are advised that there is a lengthy waiting period and the process will only be expedited based on urgency."
Saturday, April 11, 2009
SN - Belize PM says CCJ is key element of Caricom governance process
From my archive of press clippings:
Stabroek News
Belize PM says CCJ is key element of Caricom governance process
By Stabroek staff March 16, 2009 in Local News
Prime Minister of Belize, Dean Barrow says that the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) is a key element of the Caricom governance process and he argued too that there is no room now for second guessing the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which has many aspects that are time-bound.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Barrow who is also Chairman and Lead Head for Justice and Governance also raised the issue of the CCJ saying that “it represents a key element of the community’s governance process, but so far only two countries (Guyana and Barbados) use it as their final court of appeal in civil and criminal matters.”
He contended that, “the significance of our apparent unwillingness to replace the Privy Council with our own first class jurists is not lost on our populations. It can’t help but contribute to cynicism about the seriousness of our commitment to Caribbean identity.”
He noted also that in that matter Belize was a guilty party but commended the merit of the court as a critical lynchpin of the regional movement; and undertook “to propose shortly the constitutional amendment that would allow Belize to sign on to the appellate jurisdiction.” "
Stabroek News
Belize PM says CCJ is key element of Caricom governance process
By Stabroek staff March 16, 2009 in Local News
Prime Minister of Belize, Dean Barrow says that the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) is a key element of the Caricom governance process and he argued too that there is no room now for second guessing the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), which has many aspects that are time-bound.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Barrow who is also Chairman and Lead Head for Justice and Governance also raised the issue of the CCJ saying that “it represents a key element of the community’s governance process, but so far only two countries (Guyana and Barbados) use it as their final court of appeal in civil and criminal matters.”
He contended that, “the significance of our apparent unwillingness to replace the Privy Council with our own first class jurists is not lost on our populations. It can’t help but contribute to cynicism about the seriousness of our commitment to Caribbean identity.”
He noted also that in that matter Belize was a guilty party but commended the merit of the court as a critical lynchpin of the regional movement; and undertook “to propose shortly the constitutional amendment that would allow Belize to sign on to the appellate jurisdiction.” "
JG - Jamaican ambassador and Canadian minister for NCU commencement
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Gleaner
Jamaican ambassador and Canadian minister for NCU commencement
published: Sunday June 29, 2008
From left, Best and Bernal. AMBASSADOR DR Richard Bernal and Margaret Best, minister of health promotion, for the Province of Ontario in Canada will be the keynote speakers at this year's staging of Northern Caribbean University's (NCU's) annual commencement exercises. NCU's Commencement 2008 will be held on August 10 at the university's main campus in Mandeville. At the two-part event, Ambassador Bernal will deliver his address during the first ceremony at 8:30 a.m., while Minister Best will address the second ceremony scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m.
Ambassador Bernal, a professional economist with over 30 years of experience, most recently served as director-general of the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (RNM). The RNM has responsibility for trade negotiations for member states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and provides technical support to Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Dr Bernal was Jamaica's ambassador to the United States of America and permanent represen-tative to the Organisation of American States (OAS) for the period May 6, 1991 to August 31, 2001.
When he demitted office, he was the fourth most senior ambassador in Washington, DC and dean of the Caribbean Diplomatic Corps."
&
"He is a senior associate at the Centre for Strategic International Studies in Washington, DC, and is a member of the Harvard University Trade Policy Group, the board of directors of the International Trade Law Institute and the editorial committee of Integration and Trade (journal of the Inter-American Development Bank)."
Jamaica Gleaner
Jamaican ambassador and Canadian minister for NCU commencement
published: Sunday June 29, 2008
From left, Best and Bernal. AMBASSADOR DR Richard Bernal and Margaret Best, minister of health promotion, for the Province of Ontario in Canada will be the keynote speakers at this year's staging of Northern Caribbean University's (NCU's) annual commencement exercises. NCU's Commencement 2008 will be held on August 10 at the university's main campus in Mandeville. At the two-part event, Ambassador Bernal will deliver his address during the first ceremony at 8:30 a.m., while Minister Best will address the second ceremony scheduled to start at 4:30 p.m.
Ambassador Bernal, a professional economist with over 30 years of experience, most recently served as director-general of the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery (RNM). The RNM has responsibility for trade negotiations for member states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and provides technical support to Cuba and the Dominican Republic.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Dr Bernal was Jamaica's ambassador to the United States of America and permanent represen-tative to the Organisation of American States (OAS) for the period May 6, 1991 to August 31, 2001.
When he demitted office, he was the fourth most senior ambassador in Washington, DC and dean of the Caribbean Diplomatic Corps."
&
"He is a senior associate at the Centre for Strategic International Studies in Washington, DC, and is a member of the Harvard University Trade Policy Group, the board of directors of the International Trade Law Institute and the editorial committee of Integration and Trade (journal of the Inter-American Development Bank)."
Saturday, April 4, 2009
JO - Marking time in Caricom? Awaiting leaders' 'message' after Belize meeting.
Jamaica Observer
Marking time in Caricom?
Awaiting leaders' 'message' after Belize meeting
RICKEY SINGH
Sunday, March 15, 2009
BY yesterday (Saturday), the official communiqué on the outcome of the 20th Intersessional Meeting of Caribbean Community Heads of Government, held in Belize from March 12-13, should have been circulated to the media by the Caricom Secretariat for public information.
RICKEY SINGH
Their work programme, based on the draft agenda seen by this correspondent, was impressive with a listing of issues of much importance to the region's economic integration movement, now in its 36th year.
Read the whole article here.
Marking time in Caricom?
Awaiting leaders' 'message' after Belize meeting
RICKEY SINGH
Sunday, March 15, 2009
BY yesterday (Saturday), the official communiqué on the outcome of the 20th Intersessional Meeting of Caribbean Community Heads of Government, held in Belize from March 12-13, should have been circulated to the media by the Caricom Secretariat for public information.
RICKEY SINGH
Their work programme, based on the draft agenda seen by this correspondent, was impressive with a listing of issues of much importance to the region's economic integration movement, now in its 36th year.
Read the whole article here.
Tuesday, March 31, 2009
JO - Contempt politics in Antigua. 'Recolonising' Turks and Caicos.
Jamaica Observer
Contempt politics in Antigua
'Recolonising' Turks and Caicos
RICKEY SINGH ANALYSIS
Sunday, March 29, 2009
I was following post-election political developments in Antigua and Barbuda last week when the Caribbean Community made public its concern over the threat to democracy in the Turks and Caicos Islands by Britain's announced intention to resort to direct rule from London in that associate member territory of Caricom.
RICKEY SINGH
How refreshing it was to note this militant stand by Caricom as British Prime Minister Gordon Brown's administration was laying the legal basis in Parliament for the reintroduction of old-style colonialism, possibly by the end of next month (April). Such a retrograde political move could ensue, depending on the TCI's governor's response to the final report of a Commission of Inquiry. The interim report has already painted an ugly picture of "clear signs of political amorality and immaturity and general administrative incompetence" in the territory.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The embattled Premier Michael Misick who was obliged to resign under a cloud of unsavoury allegations had done so only after formally requesting last Monday Caricom's intervention to "stop the onset of modern-day colonialism" in his homeland.
Caricom is currently monitoring the developments - the TCI having appropriately raised the public alarm against Britain's threat to impose direct rule through its enactment of legislation suspending the Executive and Legislative branches of government in that territory.
The Community Secretariat cannot, however, be so preoccupied with the TCI's future political status, while also complying with its regular work agenda, that it finds it too difficult to also pay heed to the very disturbing trends that mock democratic governance in Antigua and Barbuda."
"This latest post-election political behaviour that mocks traditional swearing-in ceremonies by a governor general was the brief, five-line note from Dame Louise informing Bird to "find enclosed your instrument of appointment as Her Majesty's loyal opposition..."
It was a humiliating first since the days of internal self-government in Antigua and Barbuda, and long before the birth of Caricom, an astonishing departure from what is also the established norm within member states of our Community with either a president or governor general as head of state."
&
"Caricom therefore needs to also interest itself with developments in Antigua and Barbuda while being engaged over moves to recolonise the Turks and Caicos."
Contempt politics in Antigua
'Recolonising' Turks and Caicos
RICKEY SINGH ANALYSIS
Sunday, March 29, 2009
I was following post-election political developments in Antigua and Barbuda last week when the Caribbean Community made public its concern over the threat to democracy in the Turks and Caicos Islands by Britain's announced intention to resort to direct rule from London in that associate member territory of Caricom.
RICKEY SINGH
How refreshing it was to note this militant stand by Caricom as British Prime Minister Gordon Brown's administration was laying the legal basis in Parliament for the reintroduction of old-style colonialism, possibly by the end of next month (April). Such a retrograde political move could ensue, depending on the TCI's governor's response to the final report of a Commission of Inquiry. The interim report has already painted an ugly picture of "clear signs of political amorality and immaturity and general administrative incompetence" in the territory.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The embattled Premier Michael Misick who was obliged to resign under a cloud of unsavoury allegations had done so only after formally requesting last Monday Caricom's intervention to "stop the onset of modern-day colonialism" in his homeland.
Caricom is currently monitoring the developments - the TCI having appropriately raised the public alarm against Britain's threat to impose direct rule through its enactment of legislation suspending the Executive and Legislative branches of government in that territory.
The Community Secretariat cannot, however, be so preoccupied with the TCI's future political status, while also complying with its regular work agenda, that it finds it too difficult to also pay heed to the very disturbing trends that mock democratic governance in Antigua and Barbuda."
"This latest post-election political behaviour that mocks traditional swearing-in ceremonies by a governor general was the brief, five-line note from Dame Louise informing Bird to "find enclosed your instrument of appointment as Her Majesty's loyal opposition..."
It was a humiliating first since the days of internal self-government in Antigua and Barbuda, and long before the birth of Caricom, an astonishing departure from what is also the established norm within member states of our Community with either a president or governor general as head of state."
&
"Caricom therefore needs to also interest itself with developments in Antigua and Barbuda while being engaged over moves to recolonise the Turks and Caicos."
Friday, March 27, 2009
LFM - BELIZE TO ADOPT THE USE OF CARICOM PASSPORTS
From my archive of press clippings:
LoveFM
BELIZE TO ADOPT THE USE OF CARICOM PASSPORTS
February 23, 2009
The Immigration Department and Nationality Offices countrywide will not be accepting passport applications this week as they are modifying, upgrading and testing an issuance system to accommodate the new CARICOM passport.
Read the whole article here.
LoveFM
BELIZE TO ADOPT THE USE OF CARICOM PASSPORTS
February 23, 2009
The Immigration Department and Nationality Offices countrywide will not be accepting passport applications this week as they are modifying, upgrading and testing an issuance system to accommodate the new CARICOM passport.
Read the whole article here.
Thursday, March 26, 2009
AO - Belize hosts CARICOM bosses
Amandala Online
Belize hosts CARICOM bosses
Posted: 13/03/2009 - 09:05 AM Author: Adele Ramos
For the next two days Belize plays host to 154 delegates from 11 sister Caribbean states attending the 20th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), being hosted at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow is leading the meeting, in his role as CARICOM chairman for the first half of 2009. During official opening ceremonies preceding today’s business meetings where officials met in caucus, Prime Minister Barrow embraced his regional counterparts and heralded the session as one of special significance."
"The meeting comes at a time when the Caribbean faces dire challenges brought on by the world economic turmoil, and CARICOM officials say they are convinced that it is only regional integration that can soften the consequences of the financial fallout."
&
"Prime Minister Barrow made a major announcement to his Caribbean counterparts, putting on record his administration’s intention to replace London’s Privy Council with the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) for both civil and criminal matters.
The Privy Council has been blamed for staying the executions of many convicted in lower courts with murder, but more than that, indications are that some countries in the region are warming up to the idea of having a court closer to home controlled by their regional counterparts to arbitrate their legal matters."
Belize hosts CARICOM bosses
Posted: 13/03/2009 - 09:05 AM Author: Adele Ramos
For the next two days Belize plays host to 154 delegates from 11 sister Caribbean states attending the 20th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), being hosted at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Belize Prime Minister Dean Barrow is leading the meeting, in his role as CARICOM chairman for the first half of 2009. During official opening ceremonies preceding today’s business meetings where officials met in caucus, Prime Minister Barrow embraced his regional counterparts and heralded the session as one of special significance."
"The meeting comes at a time when the Caribbean faces dire challenges brought on by the world economic turmoil, and CARICOM officials say they are convinced that it is only regional integration that can soften the consequences of the financial fallout."
&
"Prime Minister Barrow made a major announcement to his Caribbean counterparts, putting on record his administration’s intention to replace London’s Privy Council with the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) for both civil and criminal matters.
The Privy Council has been blamed for staying the executions of many convicted in lower courts with murder, but more than that, indications are that some countries in the region are warming up to the idea of having a court closer to home controlled by their regional counterparts to arbitrate their legal matters."
JO - Caricom should find ways to help Zimbabwe
From my archive of press clippings:
Jamaica Observer
Caricom should find ways to help Zimbabwe
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Dear Editor,
It is all well and good for so-called Third-World countries like Jamaica to cry shame on Prime Minister Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe in this his hour of need, but we must also ask where those countries were hiding when the Mugabe regime was being undermined by Euro-American criminals who continue to "mash up" black nations, including Jamaica, by flooding those nations with guns, drugs, economic distress, and all manner of destabilisation efforts.
Read the whole epistle of crazy here.
Snippet(s):
"European and American entities seemingly exist only to decimate and destroy black populations and destabilise their societies, and they have done so to the maximum in Haiti, Zimbabwe and other African countries and are fine-tuning their skills of destruction in Iraq, Afghanistan, Gaza and all over the so-called Middle East, with their eyes on Iran, Pakistan and Syria, having already performed their ritualistic killings in Lebanon."
&
"The modus operandi of Euro-America has been very clear since the days they enslaved and raped Africans: steal all they can grab and under-develop the victims; and if any of their leaders dare to lift them back up, then exterminate those leaders (Che Guevara, Dr King); try hard to assassinate them, while using all means necessary to make them reverse their programmes to help people (Fidel Castro, Michael Manley); or use every available means to destabilise their nations (Zimbabwe); and lock up or kidnap their leaders if needs be (Noriega and Aristide)."
__________
Rev Dr Mervin Stoddart
INMerv@hotmail.com
Jamaica Observer
Caricom should find ways to help Zimbabwe
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Dear Editor,
It is all well and good for so-called Third-World countries like Jamaica to cry shame on Prime Minister Robert Mugabe of Zimbabwe in this his hour of need, but we must also ask where those countries were hiding when the Mugabe regime was being undermined by Euro-American criminals who continue to "mash up" black nations, including Jamaica, by flooding those nations with guns, drugs, economic distress, and all manner of destabilisation efforts.
Read the whole epistle of crazy here.
Snippet(s):
"European and American entities seemingly exist only to decimate and destroy black populations and destabilise their societies, and they have done so to the maximum in Haiti, Zimbabwe and other African countries and are fine-tuning their skills of destruction in Iraq, Afghanistan, Gaza and all over the so-called Middle East, with their eyes on Iran, Pakistan and Syria, having already performed their ritualistic killings in Lebanon."
&
"The modus operandi of Euro-America has been very clear since the days they enslaved and raped Africans: steal all they can grab and under-develop the victims; and if any of their leaders dare to lift them back up, then exterminate those leaders (Che Guevara, Dr King); try hard to assassinate them, while using all means necessary to make them reverse their programmes to help people (Fidel Castro, Michael Manley); or use every available means to destabilise their nations (Zimbabwe); and lock up or kidnap their leaders if needs be (Noriega and Aristide)."
__________
Rev Dr Mervin Stoddart
INMerv@hotmail.com
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
AO - Belize hosts CARICOM bosses
Amandala Online
Belize hosts CARICOM bosses
Posted: 13/03/2009 - 09:05 AM
Author: Adele Ramos
For the next two days Belize plays host to 154 delegates from 11 sister Caribbean states attending the 20th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), being hosted at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Prime Minister Barrow made a major announcement to his Caribbean counterparts, putting on record his administration’s intention to replace London’s Privy Council with the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) for both civil and criminal matters.
The Privy Council has been blamed for staying the executions of many convicted in lower courts with murder, but more than that, indications are that some countries in the region are warming up to the idea of having a court closer to home controlled by their regional counterparts to arbitrate their legal matters."
&
"Belize is also gearing up to replace its old passport with a new CARICOM passport, also as a part of its commitment to integration in CARICOM."
Belize hosts CARICOM bosses
Posted: 13/03/2009 - 09:05 AM
Author: Adele Ramos
For the next two days Belize plays host to 154 delegates from 11 sister Caribbean states attending the 20th Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), being hosted at the Radisson Fort George Hotel in Belize City.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Prime Minister Barrow made a major announcement to his Caribbean counterparts, putting on record his administration’s intention to replace London’s Privy Council with the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) for both civil and criminal matters.
The Privy Council has been blamed for staying the executions of many convicted in lower courts with murder, but more than that, indications are that some countries in the region are warming up to the idea of having a court closer to home controlled by their regional counterparts to arbitrate their legal matters."
&
"Belize is also gearing up to replace its old passport with a new CARICOM passport, also as a part of its commitment to integration in CARICOM."
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
SFCN - Caribbean leaders reaffirm integrity of Guyana and Belize sovereignty
South Florida Caribbean News
Caribbean leaders reaffirm integrity of Guyana and Belize sovereignty
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
BELIZE CITY, Belize - The border issues between Guyana and Venezuela and Belize and Guatemala were discussed in Belmopan by Caribbean Heads of Government during the just-concluded 12th Inter-Sessional.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Heads of Government reaffirmed their unequivocal support for the safeguarding of Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and its right to develop its resources in the entirety of its territory."
"Heads of Government reaffirmed their unequivocal support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Belize."
Caribbean leaders reaffirm integrity of Guyana and Belize sovereignty
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
BELIZE CITY, Belize - The border issues between Guyana and Venezuela and Belize and Guatemala were discussed in Belmopan by Caribbean Heads of Government during the just-concluded 12th Inter-Sessional.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Heads of Government reaffirmed their unequivocal support for the safeguarding of Guyana’s territorial integrity and sovereignty and its right to develop its resources in the entirety of its territory."
"Heads of Government reaffirmed their unequivocal support for the territorial integrity and sovereignty of Belize."
Monday, March 9, 2009
AO - US narcotics report lists Belize among "major money laundering" countries
Amandala Online
US narcotics report lists Belize among "major money laundering" countries
Posted: 05/03/2009 - 10:40 PM Author: Adele Ramos
The United States State Department has listed Belize among 60 countries which it describes as major money laundering destinations. Mexico, the United States, Venezuela, Cayman Islands, Guatemala and three other CARICOM countries - Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, and Haiti - are listed in the group.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Belize is listed in the 2009 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, published this week by the State Department."
US narcotics report lists Belize among "major money laundering" countries
Posted: 05/03/2009 - 10:40 PM Author: Adele Ramos
The United States State Department has listed Belize among 60 countries which it describes as major money laundering destinations. Mexico, the United States, Venezuela, Cayman Islands, Guatemala and three other CARICOM countries - Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, and Haiti - are listed in the group.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"Belize is listed in the 2009 International Narcotics Control Strategy Report, published this week by the State Department."
&
"The report says that the complex nature of money laundering transactions today makes it difficult, in many cases, to distinguish the proceeds of narcotics trafficking from the proceeds of other serious crime."Friday, March 6, 2009
JG - Stanford affair and Caricom
Jamaica Gleaner
Stanford affair and Caricom
Published: Sunday March 1, 2009
Two recent events have reinforced our belief in the need for an urgent summit of Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders to address the global credit crisis and its consequential effects on Caribbean economies. The events provide the community an opportunity to signal, from the highest level, a wish to synchronise the regulatory framework.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The more recent, and clearly more notorious of these developments, was the decision by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission to bring civil charges against billionaire financier, Sir Allen Stanford, and two of his companies, for allegedly operating a US$8-billion fraud on investors in certificates of deposits sold by his Stanford International Bank.
That bank is based in Antigua where Sir Allen, a Texan, has citizenship and substantial business interests, and is the second-largest employer in the country after the government."
Stanford affair and Caricom
Published: Sunday March 1, 2009
Two recent events have reinforced our belief in the need for an urgent summit of Caribbean Community (Caricom) leaders to address the global credit crisis and its consequential effects on Caribbean economies. The events provide the community an opportunity to signal, from the highest level, a wish to synchronise the regulatory framework.
Read the whole article here.
Snippet(s):
"The more recent, and clearly more notorious of these developments, was the decision by the United States Securities and Exchange Commission to bring civil charges against billionaire financier, Sir Allen Stanford, and two of his companies, for allegedly operating a US$8-billion fraud on investors in certificates of deposits sold by his Stanford International Bank.
That bank is based in Antigua where Sir Allen, a Texan, has citizenship and substantial business interests, and is the second-largest employer in the country after the government."
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