KINGSTON, Jamaica, CMC -The Canada-Caribbean Institute (CCI) Monday urged Canada and Caribbean Neighborhood (CARICOM) leaders to construct on the legacy of the previous to set an agenda that permits the 2 areas to maneuver collectively as nearer companions into the longer term.
In an announcement launched forward of the October 17-19 first Canada-CARICOM summit to be held in Ottawa, CCI, established in 2020 by the College of the West Indies (The UWI) and Canada’s Brock College and dedicated to learning Canada/Caribbean relations, it was famous that CARICOM-Canada reciprocal commerce is at an all-time excessive, reaching CAD$1.8 billion (One Canadian greenback=US$0.73 cents) in 2022, whereas bilateral commerce in providers was CAD$3.9 billion in 2021.
“As essential commerce and improvement companions, with greater than two million Canadians touring to CARICOM international locations yearly and over 10,000 college students from CARICOM learning in Canada yearly, the time is correct to strengthen ties and advance shared priorities between the 2 areas.
“Due to this fact, the Canada-Caribbean Institute is worked up to take part within the upcoming Canada-CARICOM Summit discussions on local weather change, financing for Small Island Growing States within the Caribbean, multilateral cooperation, and regional safety to advance the “Canada-CARICOM Roadmap for Motion.”
“As a strategic accomplice for a resilient future in Canada-CARICOM relations, the Institute, which is devoted to connecting students from throughout Canada and the Caribbean to collaborate on very important financial, environmental, and social points, is effectively positioned to advance the agenda of the Summit,” stated CCI’s Co-Chair and Professional Vice-Chancellor, World Affairs at The UWI, Sandrea Maynard.
The CCI stated as a primary step, it’s going to host a “Summit De-brief Panel Dialogue to offer a deep dive into the outcomes of the Summit as they align with the CCI’s objectives and targets. “The CCI additionally plans to carry common panel discussions over the following yr main as much as the following Analysis Symposium,” it added..”
Maynard famous that whereas Canada and the Caribbean have been traditionally longstanding companions, many Canadians as we speak understand the Caribbean as a trip vacation spot.
“Over time, as different entities have expanded their presence within the Caribbean, Canadian improvement assist has moved from bodily infrastructure improvement to extra intangible coverage help, typically delivered via third events resembling worldwide organizations.
“Consequently, Canada’s tangible visibility profile within the area has diminished. Along with strategic companions within the Caribbean, the Canadian Authorities has been bolstering bilateral ties to deal with this improvement and make sure that Canada and the Caribbean progress as mutually useful companions transferring collectively into the longer term,” she stated.
The CCI co-chair stated that the Canadian society consists of many individuals of Caribbean origin, many with household connections and enterprise pursuits there.
|Equally, many Canadian residents have good cause to care deeply about what occurs within the Caribbean. Sustaining Caribbean financial stability and financial development can convey financial advantages to Canada. A secure market of 16 million individuals (60 % below 30) could be important for Canadian merchants and traders.”
She stated collaboration between CARICOM and Canada, for instance, between academic establishments, ends in worldwide college students, exchanges of scholars and school, cooperative analysis, and improvement of the leaders of tomorrow.
The cultural variety of each CARICOM and Canada can solely profit from better entry to and collaboration between all ranges of society.
Canada’s assist to CARICOM in coping with local weather change and its many vulnerabilities, a greener vitality transition, and improved public well being isn’t just the best factor to do. It additionally highlights Canadian expertise, coaching, and experience.
“Safety cooperation to enhance public security and administration of justice in Canada may cut back threats to Canada, given the intensive motion of individuals between the areas.
Collaboration in worldwide organizations such because the UN and the OAS would profit each side.
“CARICOM can have a G7 ally to assist advance its pursuits, and Canada can count on CARICOM’s assist for its overseas coverage targets resembling selling democracy, fairness, and human rights. In different areas, Canada stands to realize insights and assist as CARICOM strikes to extend hyperlinks with Africa. Canada is in search of to make extra important inroads on this area,” Mayard argued.
She stated over the previous a number of years, there have been important will increase in engagement between CARICOM and Canada, together with common conferences with Ministers of Overseas Affairs, Commerce, and Improvement, and leaders met final yr in The Bahamas.
She famous that Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and Prime Ministers Mia Mottley and Andrew Holness have assumed management roles collectively on a number of essential UN initiatives.
Associated
