SPS framework needed

CARICOM COUNTRIES are being reminded of the need for sanitary and phytosanitary (SPS) measures to be in place across all regional jurisdictions, as failure to establish them in law can result in the loss of market access and the ability to penetrate foreign markets.

The advice has come from George Kirnon, Assistant General Counsel within the CARICOM Secretariat, as he addressed a Regional Validation Workshop of Model Agricultural, Health and Food Safety Bills yesterday morning, at the Radisson Aquatica Resort.

Kirnon spoke as he noted that a well developed SPS measures framework enhances the ease of doing business in an economy, and could as a result enhance the investment climate and economic potential of the region as a whole.

“So the importance of the exercise on which we embark this morning cannot be underestimated. The CARICOM Secretariat therefore recognises the tremendous value of assisting member states in developing modern SPS legal frameworks. We also recognise the duty and the obligation set out in Articles 56 and 57 of the Revised Treaty ,which provides that the Community shall, in support of its agricultural policies, establish an effective regime of sanitary and phytosanitary  measures,” he said.

As such, the CARICOM official said through the workshop taking place this week, one of the aims is to establish an effective regime of sanitary and phytosanitary  measures. With that in mind, he said that apart from developing such a system, the Revised Treaty speaks to the harmonisation of laws, but he explained that while the goal is to harmonise the SPS laws throughout the region, the intention is not to have identical laws.

“What it means is that the practice and the procedures and the processes which emanate from the law, are seamless throughout our various communities and region. When we speak of harmonisation, ladies and gentlemen, we are speaking about the development of model laws.

“The development of model laws requires that there be a meeting of minds, a meeting of minds to reach consensus, to tackle the issues and to come up with mutually acceptable solutions… Individual country positions must be put forward, but at the end of the day, we must strive for solutions which are compatible, not only in the national interest, but also in the Community’s interest,” he said.

He made the point while noting that CARICOM has had a long history of developing SPS measures in its member countries. (JRT)