Policy paper

Communiqué: Eleventh UK-Caribbean Forum

Published 2 June 2023

This was published under the 2022 to 2024 Sunak Conservative government

Introduction

1. The Eleventh UK-Caribbean Ministerial Forum was held in Kingston, Jamaica, on 18 May 2023. The Governments of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland (UK) and the Caribbean States reaffirmed their commitment to the Forum as an important vehicle for dialogue, partnership and cooperation, reflecting the special relationship that exists between the UK, the Caribbean States and the British Overseas Territories.

2. Ministers welcomed the Forum’s return to in-person meetings for the first time in 7 years, and its particular significance as both sides celebrated the 50th Anniversary of the establishment of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and its contribution to the strengthening of the UK-Caribbean partnership.

3. Ministers welcomed progress since the Tenth UK-Caribbean Forum, hosted virtually by the UK in 2021, and acknowledged the impact that the unprecedented global challenges of the past 2 years have had on the achievement of their shared aspirations.

4. Ministers agreed to refocus their partnership to meet the challenges of the post-pandemic era and strengthen their collaboration in the areas elaborated on in this Communiqué and its accompanying Action Plan. Ministers noted upcoming international events, including those with particular relevance for increasing members’ economic and climate resilience, and addressing SIDS vulnerabilities, such as the UN SIDS Conference and the next meeting of Commonwealth Heads of Government (CHOGM) in Samoa in 2024.

Trade in goods and services and investments

5. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to promoting stronger economic, trade and investment relations between the UK and the Caribbean, including through the full implementation and operationalisation of the CARIFORUM-UK Economic Partnership Agreement (CF-UK EPA), which has been provisionally applied since 1st January 2021, including the development dimension of the Agreement. Ministers commended the CF-UK EPA as a trade and development Agreement with the potential to diversify trade, eliminate barriers to UK-Caribbean trade, provide preferential market access for exporters, including service providers; reduce bureaucracy which impedes trade; and strengthen supportive legislation to stimulate investment and growth.

6. Ministers recalled that building capacities and addressing supply constraints in CARIFORUM States is required for the States to take full advantage of increased trading opportunities and maximise the benefits of trade reforms. Ministers reaffirmed the essential role that development assistance, including trade-related assistance, can play in supporting CARIFORUM States to implement and take advantage of this Agreement and recalled that the United Kingdom is committed to development aid, including aid for trade so as to maximise the expected benefits of this Agreement.

7. Ministers recognised the importance of the UK providing development assistance for supporting the implementation of the CF-UK EPA and that areas which may be prioritised for such assistance include addressing supply side constraints which affect the ability of the Caribbean States to convert market access into market presence, cooperation in relation to innovation, science and technology and technology transfer, diversification of Caribbean goods and services exports; improving the competitiveness of traditional agricultural products and the impact of non-tariff barriers.

8. Ministers affirmed their commitment to eliminate market access barriers to UK-Caribbean trade, and agreed that the Parties to the CF-UK EPA will engage on the matter of the temporary entry of natural persons into the UK and the CARIFORUM States, to further enhance trade in goods, services and investment.

9. Ministers welcomed the recent removal of UK visa requirements for Guyanese nationals and agreed to continue dialogue on the impact of UK visa policies on Caribbean countries, including government-to-government relations, and business persons and artistes seeking to benefit from trade opportunities under the CARIFORUM-UK EPA.

10. Ministers welcomed the commitment by the UK to ensure continued duty-free and quota-free access to its market for exports from Caribbean countries which are signatories to the CF-UK EPA. Ministers also welcomed the commitment of the UK and the Caribbean countries which are parties to the CF-UK EPA to continue to progress implementation of their respective commitments under the CF-UK EPA, including through implementation of tariff, cooperation and other commitments, and ratification and enactment in domestic law, where applicable.

11. Ministers recognised the important role of the Joint CARIFORUM-UK Council to supervise the implementation and operation of the CARIFORUM-UK EPA and agreed that the UK and Caribbean States which are signatories to that Agreement will work towards convening the inaugural meeting of the Joint Council during 2023 with an agenda that includes:

(a) the implementation of decisions emanating from the inaugural meeting of the Trade and Development Committee, held in October 2021; and

(b) constructive discussions and, where appropriate, decisions on, inter alia:

(i) the implementation of the Parties’ respective tariff elimination commitments

(ii) the progress made in relation to the ratification of the Agreement

(iii) UK Development Co-operation support to the Caribbean Parties for regional and national level actions

(iv) impediments faced by Caribbean stakeholders in converting market access into market presence in the areas of trade in goods and trade in services

(v) the operationalisation of cooperation provisions, including cooperation between the Parties in relation to innovation, and technology transfer

(vi) the impact of non-tariff barriers on CARIFORUM-UK trade

(vii) modalities to facilitate further UK-Caribbean business engagements, including possibly through a Business Forum

(viii) the impact of the UK’s Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS), the UK-Australia Free Trade Agreement and the UK’s recent accession to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) on the CF-UK EPA; and

Ministers also agreed to the expeditious establishment of the Special Committee on Trade in Services.

12. Ministers renewed their commitment to free trade in an inclusive, transparent, fair, and open rules-based multilateral trading system, which recognises the special requirements of vulnerable, small economies such as those of the Caribbean. Ministers also affirmed the importance of members of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) pursuing negotiated outcomes in the WTO, whether through multilateral or plurilateral initiatives, within the context of the existing rules of the Organisation.

13. Ministers discussed the benefits for trade and investment that the appointment of a UK Trade Envoy to the Caribbean might entail. Both Parties committed to continuing dialogue.

Financing for development

14. Ministers recognised that 8 years after the introduction of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the transition in the financial sector to support more sustainable growth has not been realised at the intended scale. Ministers further acknowledged that while countries remain guided by the roadmap set out under the United Nations (UN) 2030 Agenda and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), the pathway to achieving these goals has become significantly more challenging.

15. Ministers reaffirmed the need for reforms to the existing international financial architecture, aligned with the SDGs, to allow greater flexibility in capital expenditure by developing countries, as they work towards sustainable development beyond mere recovery to pre-crisis levels.

16. Ministers also acknowledged the leadership of the Caribbean in championing International Financial Architecture Reform, including through the Financing for Development in the Era Beyond COVID-19 Initiative led by the Prime Ministers of Jamaica and Canada under the auspices of the UN, and the more recent Bridgetown Initiative of the Government of Barbados, which both have given momentum to the international discourse on the financing needs of developing countries and Small Island Developing States.

17. Ministers reaffirmed their support for the ongoing work of the UN High-Level Panel as they move towards their final report on the Development of a Multi-dimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) by June 2023, and commended the leadership being provided by the Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda on the MVI.

18. Ministers welcomed the continued commitment of the UK to advocate on behalf of Caribbean countries in multilateral fora, including in the G7, G20, Commonwealth and OECD, to facilitate enhanced understanding of their particular needs and vulnerabilities and the role of the current ODA eligibility criteria in perpetuating inequitable access to grant and concessional financing.

19. Ministers, underscoring the importance of the tourism sector, agreed to jointly support initiatives that raise awareness and advance capacity-building to foster resilient tourism development, including the annual observation of Global Tourism Resilience Day.

20. Ministers acknowledged the valuable role the UK continues to play as one of the Caribbean’s most significant development partners, and looked forward to the restoration of UK aid spending to the UN target of 0.7% of GNI, when conditions allow.

Cooperation in health and education

21. Ministers committed to closer collaboration between the Parties in support of health sector development, preparedness, and response to combat threats to global health. Ministers also welcomed continued UK support for the Caribbean’s efforts to strengthen long-term resilience and build back better and more inclusively from the COVID-19 pandemic.

22. Ministers acknowledged the unprecedented disruption to education as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. Ministers committed to promoting increased collaboration and investment in the development of a resilient and inclusive education sector, including through improved e-learning capabilities.

23. Ministers recalled the longstanding cooperation in education between the UK and the Caribbean, particularly through the Chevening and Commonwealth Scholarship programmes and the work of the British Council. Ministers also welcomed the UK’s renewed commitment to ensuring continued access for Caribbean nationals to scholarships, training opportunities, and internships, through increased collaboration between Caribbean and UK academic, technical, and vocational institutions.

24. Ministers celebrated the 75th Anniversary of the University of the West Indies and its exemplary contributions to academia, higher education, and the socio-economic development of the Caribbean and wider world.

Country situations

25. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to working towards achieving durable solutions to the multidimensional crises affecting the Republic of Haiti, underscoring the need to foster peace and stability. Ministers also committed to supporting broad-based dialogue among Haitian stakeholders to encourage a democratic transition, and promote continued international attention and support for Haiti towards the relief of the present suffering of the Haitian people.

26. Ministers expressed their continued support for Belize in the ongoing process at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in respect of Guatemala’s territorial, insular and maritime claims against the territory of Belize. Ministers urged Belize, Guatemala, and the Organisation of American States (OAS) to continue to fully implement the Confidence Building Measures (CBMs) in place since 2005. Ministers repeated their request for both countries and the OAS to renew their efforts to establish a mechanism of cooperation in the Sarstoon River, which defines the southern boundary between Belize and Guatemala.

27. Ministers welcomed the overwhelming decision of the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on 6th April 2023 to reject the Preliminary Objection raised by Venezuela - which sought to make the United Kingdom an ‘indispensable’ party to the proceedings. Ministers welcomed, also, the Court’s confirmed jurisdiction to adjudicate on the merits of the claims of Guyana regarding the validity of the 1899 Arbitral Award, in keeping with the provisions of the Geneva Agreement 1966. Ministers urged Venezuela to continue its participation in the judicial process before the ICJ.

28. Ministers reaffirmed their longstanding and unambiguous support for the preservation and maintenance of the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Belize and Guyana.

29. Ministers also reaffirmed their support for the principle and right of self-determination, recognising the historical importance of self-determination in the political development of the Caribbean, and its core status as an internationally agreed universal principle under the UN to which all people have the right.

Security and defence co-operation

30. Ministers reaffirmed the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace. Ministers noted the outcomes of the Regional Symposium on Crime and Violence as a Public Health Issue, held in Trinidad and Tobago from 17th to 18th April 2023. Ministers further reaffirmed the strategic importance of continued collaboration between the UK and the Caribbean, including the Overseas Territories, to tackle the scourge of serious and organised crime, including the trafficking of illicit arms, ammunition, persons and narcotics; cyber and maritime security; as well as illicit finance and corruption, underpinned by information and intelligence sharing, training and capacity-building, and support for the effective implementation of regional and international security cooperation agreements.

31. Ministers renewed their strong condemnation of terrorism in all its forms and manifestations, and hostile cyber activity, and reaffirmed their commitment to work together within the international community to ensure that their responses in the fight against these threats are consistent with international law and conventions, including effective implementation of UN sanctions.

32. Ministers also renewed their commitment to strengthen collaboration in the development of criminal justice systems fit for 21st century challenges, including the expanded use of technology, to address threats posed by organised crime, violence, and extremism.

Energy and food and nutrition security

33. Ministers acknowledged efforts being made across the Caribbean to embrace clean, renewable energy and energy efficiency. Ministers committed to deepening their collaboration to increase access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy, and improve energy resilience against external shocks. Ministers also called for continued support and investment by the international community to scale up the transition in Caribbean countries towards energy efficiency and sustainable forms of energy.

34. Ministers noted that the Caribbean is geographically well positioned to take advantage of the benefits of renewable energies, and welcomed the UK’s commitment to share its knowledge and expertise as well as provide capacity building in renewable energy. Ministers also expressed their continued support for the work of the Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency (CCREEE) in advancing a sustainable energy transition in the Caribbean.

35. Ministers acknowledged that illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) Fishing in the Caribbean contributes to food insecurity and is linked to other crimes committed within the maritime space and agreed to collaborate on eliminating IUU Fishing.

36. Ministers acknowledged that food security in the region is exacerbated by several exogenous factors including climate extremes, economic shocks, and disruptions to global supply chains. Ministers also agreed to strengthen collaboration in building resilient food systems and expressed support for the CARICOM Agri-Food System Agenda to reduce the region’s food import bill by 25 percent by the year 2025.

37. Ministers also reaffirmed their commitment to promoting healthy food and nutrition in the fight against Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) which is the leading cause of death and disability in the Caribbean and a major challenge to regional socio-economic development.

Immigration and Windrush

38. Ministers noted the 75th Anniversary of the arrival of the HMT Empire Windrush in the UK. Ministers highlighted the invaluable contributions of successive generations of the Caribbean Diaspora to the UK, including, but not limited to, the post-war rebuilding efforts, and the development of a modern, multi-cultural society.

39. Ministers reaffirmed the importance of delivering justice to the victims of the Windrush Scandal, through the provision of appropriate documentation and compensation that reaffirms their dignity by being accessible, timely, non-discriminatory, and commensurate to the damages suffered.

Reparatory justice

40. Ministers exchanged views on the Ten-Point Plan for Reparatory Justice developed by the CARICOM Reparations Commission.

Climate change and the environment

41. Ministers commended the UK on its Presidency of COP26, which resulted in the adoption of the Glasgow Climate Pact and agreement on the Paris Rulebook. Ministers welcomed and reaffirmed their support for the decision of COP27 to establish a new Loss and Damage Fund. Ministers commended the significant role played by CARICOM, and particularly Antigua and Barbuda as Chair of AOSIS, in achieving this outcome. Ministers encouraged sustained progress from the Transitional Committee on agreeing necessary funding arrangements for the Loss & Damage Fund.

42. Ministers underscored the existential threat being faced by Caribbean countries as a result of climate change and recommitted to joint advocacy to encourage greater ambition for 1.5⁰C. Ministers also called for more progress by developed countries towards achieving the USD 100 billion per annum climate financing goal set at COP15 in 2009.

43. Ministers also committed to close collaboration towards tangible results for the world’s most vulnerable states at COP28 to be held in Dubai in 2023.

44. Ministers welcomed the adoption of the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework in December 2022 to address ongoing biodiversity loss. Ministers also welcomed the historic adoption of the UN High Seas Treaty to ensure the protection and sustainable use of marine biodiversity of areas beyond national jurisdiction.

45. Ministers reaffirmed the importance of achieving a fair and balanced outcome on the remaining components of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies, which is sensitive to the realities of Caribbean countries and promotes the sustainable development of their fisheries industries within the Blue Economy.

46. Ministers recognised the critical importance of marine resources, particularly to SIDS, as sources of food security, nutrition, employment, foreign exchange, and recreation. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to the development of the Blue Economy, in ways that ensure ocean ecosystem health, support livelihoods, and promote economic growth. Ministers also committed to deepen collaboration in capacity building for safe maritime trade, coastal infrastructure development, the protection of marine resources, and the development of sustainable blue economies.

47. Ministers further recognised the practical support being provided by the UK to Caribbean countries, including through the Small Island Developing States Capacity and Resilience (SIDAR) Programme; Sustainable Blue Economies (SBE) Programme; and the Commonwealth Marine Economies Programme. Ministers recognised that this is in addition to the support provided by the UK to the Overseas Territories through the Blue Belt Programme.

48. Ministers also welcomed the establishment by the UK of a £500 million Blue Planet Fund to support developing countries to protect the marine environment and reduce poverty.

49. Ministers underscored that support for short-term recovery and longer-term resilience building in the face of natural disasters remains integral to the survival of SIDS, and in particular those of the Caribbean which are among the most disaster-prone regions in the world.

50. Ministers acknowledged the disproportionate impact of climate change on women and girls, people with disabilities and other marginalised groups, and the critical role of women as frontline responders and decision-makers in disaster.  Ministers therefore agreed to continue efforts to ensure that climate change policy and disaster response are gender-sensitive.

51. Ministers committed to further sharing of technical expertise and capacity building to strengthen early warning systems, enhance national and local risk profiles. Ministers also committed to the continued promotion of bilateral, regional, and international partnerships to comprehensively manage disaster risk in accordance with the Sendai Framework, including through a blend of technical cooperation, technological support, and financing.

52. Ministers agreed to maintain the important links between Caribbean and UK humanitarian and military personnel as well as local authorities in support of Caribbean countries affected by natural disasters

53. Ministers reaffirmed the value of the UK Caribbean Infrastructure Fund (UKCIF) in the creation of critical economic infrastructure that increases resilience to natural disasters and climate change, and improves economic development and social inclusion in beneficiary countries in the region.

Common values and shared interests

54. Ministers reaffirmed their commitment to human rights for all, and to democratic values, good governance, and rule of law.

55. Ministers reaffirmed their grave concern at the ongoing invasion of Ukraine by the Russian Federation in violation of international law and its negative impacts on energy, nuclear security and safety, the environment and global food security.  Ministers called for full adherence to the purposes and principles of the United Nations Charter.

Conclusion

56. Ministers emphasised that the full value of the UK-Caribbean Forum would only be realised through sustained action on commitments and decisions made at its biennial meetings.

57. Ministers agreed that progress in relation to the issues and commitments outlined in the present Communiqué will continue to be monitored and reviewed by both sides, guided by the Action Plan of the Eleventh UK-Caribbean Forum.

58. Ministers also reaffirmed the importance of the Quarterly Meetings between the Caribbean Heads of Mission accredited to the Court of St. James’s and the UK Minister of State for the Caribbean in the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office in not only supporting dialogue on issues of mutual interest and concern, but also offering a regular opportunity to monitor progress against commitments agreed at Forum meetings.

59. Ministers welcomed the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding between the Caribbean Community and the Government of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Concerning the Establishment of a Consultation and Cooperation Mechanism to support and promote deeper cooperation across a range of fields of mutual interest.

Kingston, Jamaica

18 May 2023