Sinckler: No deal is better than a bad deal

08.June.07

There must be no partnership agreement signed that does not support the region’s farmers.

This according to the Executive Coordinator of the Caribbean Policy Development Centre, Christopher Sinckler who was speaking at an Economic Partnership agreement (EPA) rally at Georgetown last Sunday, June 3.{{more}}

The rally was organized by the Windward Island Farmers’ Association (WINFA), the Caribbean Policy Development Centre and OXFAM United Kingdom. It was also used to commemorate WINFA’s 25th anniversary.

Sinckler said that he was wary that the agreement, which is in its final stage of negotiations, will go the way of the agreement made for the hosting of the 2007 Cricket World Cup.

“Thousands of citizens placed their hope and faith in what was being delivered by that World Cup and today many of them have absolutely nothing to show for it,” Sinckler said

He accused the Cricket World Cup negotiators of signing an agreement that washed away the sovereignty, culture and way of life of the Caribbean before coming back to the people for their take on the issue.

“We must get our leaders to understand that when we vote for them it is their responsibility to look after our livelihood and our interest,” he said.

He said that any EPA proposal should be seen by Civil Society first.

“No deal is better than a bad deal,” Sinckler said, as he urged Caribbean leaders to be firm in ensuring deals signed would support the farmers.

“We have a right after three hundred years of slavery and colonialism to demand a space at the table and to say to the Europeans you will not march over us again,” a passionate Sinckler declared.

Meanwhile Renrick Rose, coordinator of WINFA said that the EPA is the most fundamental and far reaching agreement that any of the regional countries have ever signed.

He said that it is important to note that the EPA does not only affect banana farmers but all of society.

He explained that as trade is liberalized and duties and taxation on imported goods are reduced it is going to impact heavily on Government revenue.

Rose said that because the region does not have much to export to Europe any agreement should make special provision for what we do have; if it is to be considered fair.

An emotional Rose said that he wanted the Europeans to know that the days of colonialism are over and that as a region we are not looking for handouts but rather a fair chance to provide for ourselves. (KJ)