CARICOM Foreign Ministers have discussed the two-tiered system of COVID-19 vaccine approvals for international travel.
The CARICOM Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR) discussed the situation on October 16-17 at their first in-person meeting since the start of COVID-19 pandemic.
A release from the Caricom Secretariat on the meeting, which was hosted by the Consul General of Jamaica in Miami, Florida, USA, didn’t say whether any decision had been taken on the matter.
The US, UK and Canada among other countries have stated that only certain vaccines will be approved for international travel. In Guyana’s context it would mean those vaccinated with Sputnik V will face exclusion as this shot is still to be approved by the World Health Organisation for emergency use.
The release said that the meeting was strategic in intent and provided the opportunity to define common positions and strengthen the coordination of approaches on foreign policy matters.
“Views were expressed on a CARICOM Vision 2050 and Strategic Positioning of the Community in that regard. Threats and opportunities were outlined and discussions centred on the web of relations with international partners, Third States, as well as regional and international organisations which would help to shape a strategic foreign policy agenda for the Community”, the release said.
The meeting’s agenda also included the multifaceted effects of COVID-19 including inequitable access to vaccines and the “emerging two-tiered system of vaccine approval related to international travel, as well as the barriers to access to concessional financing and other obstacles to economic recovery”.
The release said that attention was paid to bilateral and multilateral relations within the Western Hemisphere, as well as to concerns arising from areas of political instability in the wider Caribbean region.
The situation in Haiti was discussed and possible modes of intervention by CARICOM to assist a Haiti-driven solution were considered.
Deliberations also took place with regard to extra-regional partnerships with focus being placed on the recent strengthening of ties with Africa and the required follow-up to the first Summit last month. Relations with the African, Caribbean and Pacific States and the Commonwealth were also discussed.
“With regard to the latter where the issue of the renewal of the term of office of the Secretary-General remains pending, the Council reiterated its stance that the incumbent, Baroness (Patricia) Scotland, enjoys the broad support of the Community”, the release said.
