TRINIDAD & TOBAGBO – On Wednesday February 20, the Honourable David Thompson, Prime Minister of Barbados paid his first official visit to Trinidad and Tobago at the invitation of the Honourable Patrick Manning, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.
Prime Minister Thompson was accompanied by the Honourable Christopher P. Sinckler, M.P., Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Business; the Honourable Dennis Kellman, M.P., Ambassador-designate to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM); Miss Teresa Marshall, Permanent Secretary, (Foreign Affairs) Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and International Business and Mrs. Antoinette Williams, Permanent Secretary, Defence and Security, Prime Minister’s Office.
Honourable David Thompson, Prime Minister of Barbados
During his one day visit, Prime Minister Thompson and his delegation met with Prime Minister Manning at the Diplomatic Centre, La Fantasie, St. Ann’s, to discuss a range of issues affecting the CARICOM Region.
At this meeting, Prime Minister Manning formally welcomed Prime Minister Thompson and affirmed that given the close proximity of Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados, unity of action on the part of both countries was important. Prime Minister Thompson expressed appreciation for the invitation, coming so soon after his assumption of office. Noting that the two countries have much in common, he emphasized the need for mutual consonance of action.
CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME)
Concerning the issue of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), both Prime Ministers reaffirmed the determination of their Governments to bringing the CSME to fruition. As Lead Head of Government for matters pertaining to the CSME, Prime Minister Thompson indicated that Barbados would continue to work within CARICOM, to conclude the administrative and other arrangements, and provide the political leadership necessary to enable the CSME to achieve its objectives.
Prime Minister Manning in noting that the target date for the achievement of the Single Economy is 2015, referred to the real challenges ahead, especially with regard to the single currency.
Prime Minister Thompson indicated that he had suggested to the CARICOM Secretary General that since there are five new CARICOM Prime Ministers, it would be valuable to organize an opportunity for dialogue, reflection, exchange of vision and perspectives, so as to have a common platform from which to move forward. He suggested that as a senior Prime Minister, Prime Minister Manning might wish to convene and host this meeting. Prime Minister Manning agreed to canvass fellow Heads of Government as to deciding on a convenient date, having regard to the imminence of the Nineteenth Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community to be held in Nassau, The Bahamas from 7 to 8 March 2008.
Regional Air and Maritime Transport
Noting that both countries are shareholders in regional airlines and the importance of adequate, affordable air transportation to CARICOM Member States, the Prime Ministers agreed on the need for an early meeting of shareholder Heads of Government and other interested parties.
In addition, both Prime Ministers reviewed progress towards the establishment of a fast ferry, servicing the Southern Caribbean, which they agreed would have a positive impact on food security, food prices and Eastern Caribbean economies.
Energy Matters
On the matter of PETROCARIBE, the Prime Ministers while reaffirming the commonality of their position, expressed understanding for the immediate economic benefits derived from PETROCARIBE as well as concern over the long-term debt implications for participating CARICOM states. Prime Minister Manning also noted the implications which subscription to PETROCARIBE would have had for the support given to Trinidad and Tobago’s FTAA Headquarters bid by CARICOM and the steps taken by Trinidad and Tobago to facilitate importation of Venezuelan petroleum by those countries.
The same commonality of position applied in respect of ALBA (the Bolivarian Alternative for Latin America) and support for the FTAA.
Prime Minister Manning apprised Prime Minister Thompson of developments regarding the Eastern Caribbean Gas Pipeline project. There was mutual agreement on the advisability of pursuing this as a strictly commercial undertaking.
Security Arrangements
The Prime Ministers reviewed developments and cooperation in respect of security for the Southern Caribbean, including the enhancement of drug interdiction capability, the advantages to be derived from the CARICOM Arrest Warrant and the CARICOM [Maritime and Airspace] Agreements, and free movement arrangements. With regard to the latter, Prime Minister Thompson advised on the main components of his Government’s proposed Managed Immigration Policy, which would ensure that CARICOM obligations are met and there is no disadvantage to either migrants or nationals of Barbados.
Trinidad and Tobago – Barbados Fisheries Agreement
Prime Minister Thompson advised that Mr. Dennis Kellman, M.P. Ambassador- designate to CARICOM had been particularly mandated to advance this matter. It was agreed that dialogue and interaction with the people of Tobago would be productive. The importance of an early resolution of this issue was recognized so as to obviate any negative impact on the wider relationship. Both Prime Ministers were confident that once the regional flying fish stock assessment was completed, they would be able to bring the matter to a satisfactory conclusion.
Appreciation
Prime Minister Thompson expressed the view that considerable progress had been made at the Meeting and thanked the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago for the warm hospitality and generosity extended to his delegation. Prime Minister Manning acknowledged the sentiment and indicated that he looked forward to their forthcoming meeting in Nassau, The Bahamas.
