The media came in for high commendations on Friday at the closing of the International Labour Conference (ILC) for the role it played in disseminating the information presented on the Free Trade Agreement of the Americas.
Trade Union of Congress president and ILC chairman Obie Ferguson said "the media has been really great and we want them to know that we appreciated the coverage," he said.
Mr. Ferguson also touted the success of the conference, which will now be followed by a town meeting. "The town meeting is just a continuation of what we have been trying to do.
It is a work in progress, its not a one event thing. We had to do it big and internationally," Mr. Ferguson explained.
Too, there is a possibility that a similar conference will be conducted in Grand Bahama.
"This conference has been an overwhelming success. It surpassed the expectations of the Planning Committee.
We had about an average of about 250-275 delegates attending almost on a daily basis. The presenters were very good," Mr. Ferguson said.
"At the end of the day we achieved what we wanted, which was to educate, expose and inform the Bahamian public of the situation. Interestingly enough Bahamians attended in full force.
We had a very strong contingent here and therefore they now have a different view of what the FTAA is all about, what are the pros and cons and now we hope to engage them more with a view of engaging the government to agree to terms and conditions in this Treaty that will be advantageous to the Bahamian people," he said.
The ILC made history, as it was the first international labour conference to be held in the country.
Mr. Ferguson said the high level meeting was of great importance as The Bahamas faces a unique challenge in that it is a service-based economy.
He said as responsible citizens, Bahamians must educate themselves on the FTAA process to better understand the impact of globalisation on the community.
Mr. Ferguson said the purpose of the conference is to recognise the need for increased information and participation of the different sectors of civil society, to develop regional working relationships, to educate and exchange information, and to obtain a better appreciation for member nation's position and approach in determining possible FTAA impacts on those states which may have already began to take effect.
It is expected that a similar conference will be held in November 2003.
By Keva Lightbourn, The Nassau Guardian
