Opposition Spokesman Applauds Govt’s Involvement in Regional Integration

Opposition Spokesman on Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Anthony Hylton has applauded the Government for its most recent articulation of a new policy on the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
Mr. Hylton, who was making his presentation in the 2008/09 Sectoral Debate in the House of Representatives on Tuesday (July 2), said the policy, “brings with it renewed hope and a fresh impetus towards regional economic integration.”
On the matter of the soon to be signed Economic Partnership Agreement between CARIFORUM countries and the European Union, Mr. Hylton said the Opposition believed that there are opportunities to be exploited by the private sector in that arrangement, both in goods and services trade.
“In this period of globalization and the tendency toward a fusion of cultures, societies and economies, we have the responsibility to ensure that our unique identity, culture, and contribution as Jamaicans and Caribbean people not be diminished or marginalized. Our attempt at practical integration makes this likely.Jamaica’s leadership role and responsibility in this endeavour is desirable and indispensable,” he stated. Mr. Hylton stressed that it is important that the region is united on important foreign policy issues, because it strengthens Jamaica’s leadership role.
Turning to the PetroCaribe Agreement with Venezuela, the Opposition Spokesman said he was pleased that the government has continued that arrangement. As it relates to Cuba, he also applauded the efforts here as well, stating that the Opposition welcomed the national policy stance the government had taken in support of Cuba, as it is critical at this time.