KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC -The Canada-Caribbean Institute (CCI) Monday urged Canada and Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders to build on the legacy of the past to set an agenda that allows the two regions to move together as closer partners into the future.
In a statement released ahead of the October 17-19 first Canada-CARICOM Summit being held in Ottawa, CCI, established in 2020 by the University of the West Indies (The UWI) and Canada’s Brock University and devoted to studying Canada/Caribbean relations, noted that CARICOM-Canada reciprocal trade is at an all-time high, reaching CAD$1.8 billion (One Canadian dollar=US$0.73 cents) in 2022, while bilateral trade in services was CAD$3.9 billion in 2021.
“As important trade and development partners, with more than two million Canadians travelling to CARICOM countries annually and over 10,000 students from CARICOM studying in Canada every year, the time is right to strengthen ties and advance shared priorities between the two regions.
“Therefore, the Canada-Caribbean Institute is excited to participate in the upcoming Canada-CARICOM Summit discussions on climate change, financing for Small Island Developing States in the Caribbean, multilateral cooperation, and regional security to advance the “Canada-CARICOM Roadmap for Action”.
“As a strategic partner for a resilient future in Canada-CARICOM relations, the Institute which is dedicated to connecting scholars from across Canada and the Caribbean to collaborate on vital economic, environmental, and social issues, is well placed to advance the agenda of the Summit,” said CCI’s Co-Chair and Pro Vice-Chancellor, Global Affairs at The UWI, Sandrea Maynard.
The CCI said as a first step, it will host a “Summit De-brief Panel Discussion to provide a deep dive into the outcomes of the Summit as they align to the CCI’s goals and objectives. “The CCI also plans to hold regular panel discussions over the next year leading up to the next Research Symposium,” it added..”
Maynard noted that while Canada and the Caribbean have been historically longstanding partners, however today, many Canadians perceive the Caribbean as a destination for vacations.
“Over the years, as other entities have expanded their presence in the Caribbean, Canadian development support in the region has moved from physical infrastructure development to more intangible policy assistance, often delivered through third parties such as international organisations.
“Consequently, Canada’s tangible visibility profile in the region has diminished. Together with strategic partners in the Caribbean, the Canadian Government has been bolstering bilateral ties to address this development and ensure that Canada and the Caribbean progress as mutually beneficial partners moving together into the future,” she said.
The CCI co-chair said that the Canadian society includes a large number of people of Caribbean origin, many with family connections and business interests there.
|Similarly, many Canadian citizens have good reason to care deeply about what happens in the Caribbean. Maintaining Caribbean economic stability and economic growth can bring economic benefits to Canada. A stable market of 16 million people (60 per cent under 30) can be essential market for Canadian traders and investors.”
She said collaboration between CARICOM and Canada, for example, between educational institutions, results in international students, exchanges of students and faculty, cooperative research, and development of the leaders of tomorrow.
The cultural diversity of both CARICOM and Canada can only benefit from greater access to and collaboration between all levels of society.
Canada’s support to CARICOM in dealing with climate change and its many vulnerabilities, a greener energy transition, and improved public health is not just the right thing to do, it also highlights Canadian technology, training, and expertise.
“Security cooperation to improve public safety and administration of justice in Canada can also reduce threats to Canada, given the extensive movement of people between the regions.
Collaboration in international organisations such as the UN and the OAS would benefit both sides.
“CARICOM can have a G7 ally to help advance its interests and Canada can expect CARICOM’s support for its foreign policy objectives such as promoting democracy, equity and human rights. In other areas, Canada stands to gain insights and support as CARICOM moves to increase links with Africa, a region where Canada is seeking to make more significant inroads,” Mayard argued.
She said over the past several years, there have been significant increases in engagement between CARICOM and Canada, including regular meetings with Ministers of Foreign Affairs, Trade, and Development, and leaders met last year in The Bahamas.
She noted that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Prime Ministers Mia Mottley and Andrew Holness have assumed leadership roles together on several important UN initiatives.
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