Caricom Deputy Secretary-General Lolita Applewhaite says “the objective of the Haiti CSME programme is to help Haiti strengthen its capacity to function effectively within the regional integration process” at the first meeting of the Tripartite Committee established to oversee the implementation of a Haiti CSME project.
A press release from the Caricom Secretariat said the Committee comprises representatives of Haiti, the Cana-dian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the Cari-com Secretariat and was established under a Caricom/Canada Contribution Agreement. The Agreement was signed on October 15 in Port-au-Prince. The Agreement includes two components; one of which is the Haiti/CSME – Caricom Single Market and Economy – project and the other seeks to strengthen the administrative, functional and participatory effectiveness of the CSME.
In welcoming representatives to the Tuesday meeting Applewhaite said that the Haiti/CSME project was part of the wider effort of the international community to help Haiti in its own attempt at social, political, economic and institutional development. She said too the Canadian government must be commended for its continuing support and attention to Haiti “and the pride of place it has granted to this sister CARICOM country in its co-operation programmes.” Applewhaite also said she was grateful to Canada and CIDA for the financial support granted to the Community.
Dr Paul McGinnis, Director Caribbean Division, Americas Branch of CIDA, led his agency’s delegation while Jean Mathurin, Chief Economic Adviser to the Prime Minister of Haiti, led his country’s delegation.
Caricom said Haiti’s parliament ratified the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas in October and Foreign Minister Jean Renald Clerisme presented the published Notice of Ratification to the Chairman of the Caribbean Community Council of Ministers on February 7, clearing the way for its full participation in the CSME.