Antigua-Barbuda PM hints at Guyana signing EPA, but no confirmation from Georgetown
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| Published on Wednesday, October 8, 2008 |
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By Oscar Ramjeet
Caribbean Net News Special Correspondent
Email: oscar@caribbeannetnews.com
ST JOHN’S, Antigua: A Caribbean Media Corporation (CMC) report from St Johns, Antigua and Barbuda states that CARICOM Chairman, Baldwin Spencer has confirmed that the signing ceremony for the new Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) will go ahead next week as planned, while hinting that Guyana may take part in the process.
With the EPA signing already set for October 15, Spencer disclosed that efforts were continuing to ensure that the Bharrat Jagdeo administration in Georgetown joined with the regional states in penning its signature to that trade document.
"I think that there are some manoeuvrings which may very well lead to Guyana signing on the 15th (of October),” Spencer told CMC.
However, reports from Georgetown seem to state otherwise. Jagdeo holds the view that the EPA should be reviewed and he has received the backing from the African Caribbean and Pacific countries (ACP).
Asked to say when a final decision would be known, Spencer said that it “would become clearer in the next day or two".
The new arrangement will govern future trade between European Union and the regional grouping and the Dominican Republic.
Despite Jagdeo's statement after returning from China, Spencer nevertheless told CMC that the likelihood exists that Georgetown could be among the list of signatories. He did not provide any details as to the conditions under which the South American country would sign.
The latest development comes on the heels of the ACP Summit held in Ghana last week for further review of the proposed trade deal.
At the close of their four-day meeting on Friday, Heads of Government and ministers of the 79-member ACP group expressed concerned that “undue pressure" was placed on some members to sign the EPA before legitimate concerns were settled. | | | | Reads : 249 |
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