21st Eastern Caribbean Ministerial Meeting on Fisheries and Sustainable Use of Living Marine Resources
Day 2
A synopsis on the 68th Meeting of the IWC (International Whaling Commission), country participation in IWC 68 and other international meetings were done by Mr. Horace Walters, IWC Commissioner, St. Lucia who stressed on the importance of the conservation of species, livelihood for the people and food for the population. He encouraged the ministers from each country to conduct its affairs to the requirements of the IWC so that it would be able to participate and vote at the biennial meetings. Additionally, he advised that a biologist must be one of the delegates attending these meetings.
Japan’s Whaling Programme presentation was done by the Japanese delegation. They explained their decision pertaining to the ICRW for the last thirty (30) years and the reasons. Also, It was reported that they agree with sustainable Whaling and the protection of the Marine Life.
Antigua and Barbuda’s proposal to the IWC 68 presented by Ambassador Joseph, IWC Commissioner. Shared some back ground information since he has been intimately involved and very knowledgeable with the history on many International Marine Treaties, Conventions and Memorandum of Parties and Memorandum of Understanding. In his introduction he outlined that there are some large NGOs (Non-governmental Organizations) that are Anti-Whalers and countries such as the EU, Canada and the US that supported the “No Whaling”. That they were members of the IWC and through the years made it extremely difficult for the SIDs to have a voice or vote.
The Japanese delegation also did a presentation on CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) before the Ministers held their final consultation of the two days session.
The last presentation was delivered by Lynch Caribbean Brokers in regards to Agriculture insurance policies that are available to governments in the region for the Agricultural sector. This services was only provided to governments and not individual farmers. It was reported that both St. Vincent and St. Lucia have already embarked on this service and the presenters were hopeful that the others will soon be on board and be able to receive coverage from Natural Disasters, Paedal Larceny and the likes.
In closing it was decided that going forward the member countries that were present will stand together in solidarity. Though small, united their voices will be heard and be the determinators of their own destiny. There were many echoes of compliments to Minister Marshall chairing a successful meeting and Ambassador Joseph for his dedication and hard work through the years. Minister Marshall, thanked her OECS/CARICOM counterparts for their pledged support, encouraged them to continue enjoy the hospitality and wished them safe journeys home.