A section of the visiting European Union Youth Orchestra as they captivated the audience with their performance of Joseph Haydn’s Op. 76 No.4.
Prime Minister Freundel Stuart with His Excellency Mikael Barfod Ambassador, Head of Delegation of the EU to Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean countries as they unveil a plaque to commemorate 40 years of partnership between the EU and Barbados.
PM: EU relations treasured though differences of opinion still exist
Tue, 05/10/2016 - 12:00am
THE CLOSE relations and intertwined history between Barbados and the European Union are treasured.
This assurance from Prime Minister the Right Honourable Freundel Stuart while speaking at a special ceremony in celebration of Europe Day 2016 at the premises of the European delegation yesterday morning.
Highlighting the many contributions which the EU has made to Barbados having established its presence on the island 40 years ago in 1976, he said the event,which included the unveiling of a commemorative plaque, was a tangible demonstration of the EU’s commitment to a long, harmonious and productive friendship with Barbados.
Ranging from rum and sugar, renewable energy and energy efficiency and disaster management, the Prime Minister noted that while there have been areas of valuable partnership, there are other areas in which there are differences of opinion.
He pointed to the blacklisting of a number of countries as uncooperative tax jurisdictions, including Barbados, by the European Commission in 2015.
“We continue to believe that this was unfair and unwarranted. There are reports that in the wake of the so-called Panama Papers the prospect of another list looms.”
“I trust that this will not materialise and that the EU has by now recognised that the financial services sector is a vital element of the economies of a number of Caribbean countries, touching our very existence. Harm to that sector unleashes a sequel of negative economic and social impacts on our development efforts which cannot easily be repaired, and which undermine legitimate initiatives at alternative options for development to replace those of old.”
As it relates to CARICOM, he told the gathering that the region looks to the EU for useful lessons that will help to strengthen the countries’ integration movement.
Prime Minister Stuart used the opportunity to acknowledge the pain and loss of the countries of the EU as a result of terrorist attacks.
Highlighting the EU’s unwavering commitment and assistance in helping the region to addressing its crime and security issues, he assured that Barbados stands in solidarity with the EU and its efforts – “..not only to combat, but to eliminate this scourge that has invaded your region and that threatens the security of us all,” the Prime Minister said. (JH)