PM Spencer and German Ambassador Dr Helmut Ohlraun during their discussions. Photo by Maurice F. Merchant

Ambassador Ohlraun is based in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and is Germany’s representative to the Eastern Caribbean countries and to the CARICOM Secretariat.

The two men discussed the regional situation especially the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.  Ohlraun emphasized that Germany saw CARICOM as the leading regional organization which can prepare regional states for trade liberalization.  The German Ambassador explained that almost all German development assistance went to CARICOM for regional projects.

PM Spencer called on Germany not to forego the bilateral partnership completely, but to have both the regional and bilateral working side by side.

Both men also discussed the development of Antigua and Barbuda’s Merchant Shipping International Register and the appointment of an Antigua and Barbuda Honorary Consul in Hamburg Germany.

Germany is one of nine European countries seeking a seat on the UN Human Rights Council, and Ohlraun asked for Antigua and Barbuda’s vote to allow Germany to be on the HRC.  He emphasized Germany’s human rights record.

PM Spencer explained that it was CARICOM’s policy to achieve regional consensus on this and other candidates, and that CARICOM Foreign Ministers would discuss these matters later this month and agree on a slate of candidates that they would support.

Ohlraun described the new structure of the United Nations Human Rights Council and explained the built-in safeguards.  He stated that Germany was satisfied with how the new Council was structured.

PM Spencer explained that it was likely that CARICOM would also have a candidate for the HRC and that, should CARICOM Foreign Ministers agree, there would be reciprocal support.

The upcoming EU/LAC Summit was also discussed as well as the slate of upcoming regional and international meetings.