EPA still in limbo

[NewsWhore]

The European Partnership Agreement process is once again dragging on with no timetable set for when the agreement will formally come into play. Issues with the EPA have developed in all stages of process. Originally it was the negotiations that caused problems, with smaller Caribbean nations asking for larger concessions. Opposition to the agreement is lead by Guyanese President Bharet Jagdeo who says the agreement isn't in the Caribbean's best interests. St. Lucia and Grenada have backed Jagdeo in dissension. Many critics also claim the region had once again been hoodwinked and overpowered by the European Union, while some cynical comments inferred that negotiators had received special compensation to force the signing of the agreement. Though the region has cleared many hurdles, a signing date has yet to be set. Today was the expected official signing for the agreement in Barbados, but to this date no CARIFORUM nation has taken any real step to implement the agreement. And there are dangers ahead. According to Jamaican Foreign Affairs Minister Kenneth Baugh, if in fact the agreement does not work out for CARIFORUM there is an exit clause stipulated in article 244.3c of the EPA, which comes into effect six months after signing the agreement. Baugh, however, urges that implementation of the agreement be a priority. EU officials, mindful of the discontent, explain that if in fact nations decide not to sign into the agreement or exit after six months the alternative would be the less beneficial generalized system of preferences (GSP), which would limit market access for Caribbean countries looking to export to Europe. The DR is a strong supporter of the signing of the agreement.
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