Secretary-General reiterates Commonwealth support to Caribbean at leaders’ summit
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The
Commonwealth will offer strength, stability, solidarity and practical
assistance to its member states and in particular will advocate for
small and vulnerable economies, who are less able to withstand the
impact of climate change and changes in the global economy, Commonwealth
Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said yesterday as the Caribbean
Community (CARICOM) reacted to the shock waves of the UK’s exit from
Europe.
Leaders
speaking at the opening session of the conference have pledged to
tackle issues around crime and security and find solutions to the
looming crisis that threatens the Caribbean banking sector as
international banks react to changing finance policies and regulations.
But it was the UK’s decision to leave the European Union (EU), popularly
known as ‘Brexit’, that topped the agenda at the opening.
CARICOM’s
Chair, Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, expressed “serious
concern” about the impact of Brexit on CARICOM’s 15 member states, 12 of
which are also Commonwealth countries.
Stressing
the importance of Britain as a trading partner and a vital source of
assistance in legal and financial matters, he urged CARICOM leaders to
urgently respond to the “seismic eruption in the European Union” and the
consequences, which he believes would inevitably cause a shift in
international relations.
During
her exchanges with governments and regional organisations at CARICOM,
Secretary-General Scotland will underline the Commonwealth’s
determination to speak up for the Caribbean, and remind Commonwealth
Caribbean members of the benefits of integration and partnership.
“My
message to Caribbean countries is that I understand the concerns about
the potential impact of Brexit on small and vulnerable economies,” she
said today. “I want to remind them that Cyprus and Malta, Commonwealth
countries, are European nations, and it is our intention to continue our
close partnership with the EU through their membership."
“My
aim is for the Commonwealth to be a steadying anchor in these turbulent
times, and to offer support to strengthen, stabilise and unite our
countries, as well as give targeted and practical assistance to help
every member states reach their development goals.”
The
Secretary-General was applauded by the audience at the CARICOM meeting
yesterday, after St Lucia’s Prime Minister, Allen Chastanet praised the
achievement of the “incredible” CARICOM citizens who lead regional and
international development organisations.
He
said: “I know we have women leaders at the head of the Commonwealth and
the Association of Caribbean States. We need to applaud Baroness
Scotland,” and seek closer collaboration with the Commonwealth. The
Prime Minister also called for a “review of the structures that hinder
equality”.
During
the two-day conference, the Secretary-General will meet with
development partners and Commonwealth Caribbean representatives to
discuss specific Commonwealth support and partnerships. She will make
available a Commonwealth policy paper which addresses the unintended
consequences on the Caribbean’s banking sector and migrant remittances
of regulatory measures to prevent money laundering and the financing of
terrorism.
From Guyana, Secretary-General Scotland will fly to Jamaica, where she will launch a new Commonwealth collaboration on youth leadership with Common Purpose,
a development charity, and the University of the West Indies. The
Secretary-General said: “This initiative will really give young people,
who represent 60 percent of the Commonwealth’s more than two billion
population, a voice on key national, regional and global issues, equip
them with leadership skills and provide them with the networks and
opportunities to really make a difference in their communities and
across the globe.”
She
added: “I have set these young people the immense challenge of finding
solutions to the challenges and barriers that the world is grappling
with in achieving its sustainable development goals. I believe they have
the talent and creativity to devise solutions for the 22nd century and
their generation.”