CARICOM, the Netherlands strengthening ties

Relations between CARICOM and the Netherlands are being strengthened through the renewal of a mechanism for diplomatic co-operation with the accreditation of a new envoy to CARICOM, His Excellency Jules Bijl.

 

Addressing the Secretariat on Wednesday, CARICOM Secretary General Irwin LaRocque highlighted that the Community was keen to learn more of the Netherlands’ experiences in a range of areas, including environmental protection, water management, disaster management, renewable energy, agriculture, food processing, and chemical and port infrastructure.

 

He further outlined CARICOM’s eagerness to boost trade, tourism, cultural and human resource development exchanges within a co-operation programme that the Netherlands had signalled it was interested in developing.

 

LaRocque underscored the importance of access to development finance in pursuit of the 2030 Development Agenda and Paris Climate Change Agreement. For Small Island and Low-lying Coastal Developing States (SIDS), their peculiar vulnerabilities must be factored into the criteria for access, he noted.

 

In delivering his remarks, he insisted that CARICOM countries will persistently decry being labelled as non-cooperative tax jurisdictions.

 

“Ambassador, there is documented proof, including by the relevant globally recognised institutions, of our efforts and successes in respecting the onerous regulatory obligations that govern the financial services sector,” he stressed.

 

LaRocque later added, “We have grave concerns over the disturbing trend of international banks withdrawing correspondent banking services. This is negatively affecting our ability to conduct international financial transactions and, by extension, trade and remittances for our people.”

 

Ambassador Bijl expressed appreciation for the Region’s support of the Netherlands’ successful candidacy of a temporary seat in the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

 

“We would like to thank CARICOM for its important contribution that saw our election… The Kingdom is committed to be the partner of the CARICOM countries in the UNSC and we look forward to working with you on issues of common interest,” he stated.

 

In this regard, he said the Kingdom was interested in learning more about the development of the regional strategic plan based on the ideals of the Samoa pathway and the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

 

Noting that the Kingdom viewed the Community as a platform to fulfil its promises to the region, he said the Netherlands could also be an advocate for SIDS to the UN.