Trade still Basseterre’s bedrock – PS Weeks

TRADE IS STILL THE CORNERSTONE of St Kitts and Nevis development said Permanent Secretary (PS) within the Ministry of Trade, Jasmine Weeks.

PS Weeks made the disclosure during the current EU/CARIFORUM meeting in Bridgeton, Barbados which she described as “very timely and critically”

Weeks said the regional event is key in advancing trade-related matters during an exclusive interview with aroundtheregions.com.

The government official noted that the Federation has been maintaining an excellent relationship with the European Union (EU) and the Bridgetown forum will benefit, significantly, Basseterre.

“We anticipate clearer guidelines because…we are going to look at what was once called the EDF (European Development Fund) which is now (called) the Neigbourhood Development and International Cooperation Instrument,” (NDICI) Weeks explained.

“We are hoping that while the name has changed, that nonetheless the funds are forthcoming. We understand that these funds will be split across the CARIFORUM (Caribbean Forum) states. Most of the funds would be for joint projects across the region, but at the same time, we are hoping that the benefits would come to St. Kitts and Nevis in terms of development efforts,” she explained.

CARIFORUM which came into being in 1992, comprises the 15 Caribbean Community (CARICOM) states plus the Dominican Republic, and is a sub-group of the African, Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) countries.

Weeks planned to use her presence at the meeting to focusing significantly on the bedrock of trade “considering the numerous and continuous benefits it has brought the Federation”.

“One of the key areas that I am focusing on is trade and once trade is bolstered, we would have the economic ripple effects the economy needs. We are hoping that the discussions would be cordial and that it is one that we really want to get results. One of the critical things coming out of this is that we would have missed the signing of the post-Cotonou Agreement. First, we had Lomé, then we had Cotonou, now we are replacing it with is the Organisation of the African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) Post-Cotonou Agreement,” she explained.

With the previous covenant expired, and the new partnership awaiting signatures, Weeks is hopeful they can ratify the new pact favourable to all.

“The agreement would have been expired (earlier this year) but now the agreement is to be signed and it was delayed for several reasons: One of which was because of COVID. Now that the new agreement has not been signed, we are expected to push back all the provisions and, in the agreement, we are hoping to get a commitment and an indication from the EU. That is the most major things at least,” she expressed.

“When we are getting technical assistance, many times we get the feeling that what donors want is what they push on their terms. But, we are seeking to get an input so that our concerns and inputs can also be considered,” she argued.

The Permanent Secretary said that the programme that will be rolled out is seven-year the multi-indicative strategy which runs from 2021 to 2027.

She added that they are prepared to continue garnering benefits and advantages through many of the trade-related programmes and initiatives, thus ensuring that the federation’s growth can be advanced.

PS Weeks is part of the Basseterre delegation headed by International Trade Minister, Dr Denzil Douglas.