Foreign Minister Courtenay Addresses SICA/CARICOM Gathering

Eamon Courtenay

Foreign Minister Eamon Courtenay also addressed meeting and spoke of the importance of the Caribbean region, as well as the need to protect its rich marine resources.

Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs

“Each of our countries is blessed with the bounty of the Caribbean Sea.  Fringing coral reef, attractive beaches, warm crystal clear waters teeming with fish has enabled us to build valuable tourism and fishing industries.  Sea turtles, manatees, manta rays are indigenous to the region.  Lobster, shrimp, conch, red snapper, find their way to the tables in our homes and hotels.  This common Caribbean heritage is ours and it bind us together.  The seminal Law of the Sea treaty means that no part of the Caribbean remains outside of the extended mineral, fishing and territorial zones of the sea’s bordering countries.  The Cartagena Convention calls for us, individually and jointly to provide protection and development and management of the common waters of the wider Caribbean.  Three protocols have been developed and launched under the framework of the convention.  Cooperation on combating oil spills, establishment of specially protected areas and wildlife and prevention reduction, and control of land-based marine pollution.  These instruments are critical to sustaining our Caribbean Sea.  Colleagues, we are Caribbean.  Somos Caribenos.”

Also in attendance was Werner Vargas, Secretary General of SICA, and Kamina Johnson-Smith, Chair of COFCOR.