The former Chief Negotiator for the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery addressed the issue of Global Perspectives and Caribbean Challenges in which he stressed the need for regional unity.
He further stressed that while “the imponderables are numerous, they are merely made more incalculable by The Bahamas not being within the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME). What is obvious is that there is an urgent need to develop a strategic view on the position of The Bahamas in the context of these multiple trade arrangements.”
Sir Shridath noted that the FTAA and WTO processes have presented a close contact for the region with gospel and the ritual of globalization. So much so, that the Caribbean has emerged with “enhanced standing” as a player in the FTAA negotiations and as a group in the hemisphere, which cannot be overlooked.
“We have to work hard to engender that environment. That is why we are so heavily engaged with the 72-strong Group of African, Caribbean and Pacific countries in relation to trade and economic relations with Europe, engaged with Latin America in relation to the FTAA (Free Trade Agreement of the Americas) to develop hemispheric trade relationships that are equitable and supportive of development and engaged with developing countries generally in the G77 to ensure that the World Trade Organisation does not regulate the development dimension to the periphery of its agenda,” he said. “But engaged always on the basis of oneness with the possibilities that our regional identity provide.”
As with the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), while it is a member of CARICOM, The Bahamas is not a member of the regional trading bloc nor has it any intention of joining, Sir Shridath noted.
He gave this advice, “The Bahamas should not ignore the option of being in the community and negotiating special arrangements and reservations in the CSME οΎ— given its special position as a late comer to regional economic integration.”
As a member of the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, Sir Shridath questioned whether The Bahamas would be negotiating with CARICOM for a new “partnership agreement” with the European Union.
He asked: “Depending on the outcome of these negotiations, could The Bahamas find itself in a deeper reciprocal trading arrangement with Europe than it is with its Caribbean community partners?”
Of the FTAA, Sir Shridath said that there are many “imponderables.”
Firstly, whether there would be such an agreement at all. The process, nonetheless, may not be a “bad idea” for the Caribbean, who should be calling “time out” on the FTAA negotiations, he said.
“But, assuming that an FTAA is concluded, The Bahamas would presumably be extending to all FTAA countries, including CARICOM countries, the trade arrangements applicable under the Agreement.”
However, Sir Shridath noted the possibility that CARICOM nations might be able to negotiate “special arrangements” within the FTAA for its member countries within the CSME, but with The Bahamas not a member, “these special and differential arrangements may not have a similar outreach.”
During the opening of the conference Sunday evening, Minister of Labour Vincent Peet revealed that the Government had made a conscious decision to join the WTO and would present a formal memorandum of accession to the WTO next month.
Sir Shridath closed by noting that “this activism is not a responsibility of the Government alone,” but one that must be shared by civil servants and the private sector. As all Bahamians will be affected, all should become involved.
By Khashan Poitier, The Nassau Guardian
