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The elusive regional fishing plan
Published on: 9/25/07.
THE RECENT stern warning by Prime Minister Ralph Gonsavles of legal action
against illegal fishing in the waters of St Vincent and the Grenadines
should serve as the latest reminder of the need for the Caribbean
Community to come to grips with a long promised regional fisheries policy.
It would not have gone unnoticed that Gonsalves' threat to deal decivisely
against what he considers to be "gross poaching" of fishing resources by
CARICOM and other fisherfolk, coincided with new initiatives between
Barbadian and Tobagonian fisherfolks for a resumption of fishing by this
country's nationals in waters off that sister island of Trinidad.
Renewal of efforts by Barbados for its fisherfolk to continue their trade
in the outer maritime boundaries of Trinidad and Tobago, is in accordance
with the spirit of the April 2006 judgement by the Hague-based
International Court of Arbitration under the United Nations Law of the Sea
Convention.
However, even as the bilateral talks were taking place in Tobago, sections
of the media of that twin-island CARICOM state were raising questions
about the extent of involvement by the foreign ministries of both
countries and the modalities of the negotiating process.
Sorely needed, the sooner the better, is for all member states of CARICOM,
including Guyana, Suriname and Grenada, that have variously complained
against poaching of their fishing stocks, to be proactive in making a
reality their stated commitment to cooperate for the development and
management of "all living resources" within their Exclusive Economic Zone
(EEZ) and their fisheries zones.
Some of our CARICOM leaders may be unaware, or have forgotten, that back
in 1991 such a cooperation pact was signed and declared at a meeting in St
Lucia. Its specific call for creation of a "CARICOM Fisheries Authority"
was anchored in provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea.
In particular, Article 123, which encourages cooperation by states
bordering enclosed and semi-enclosed seas. If some community leaders and
ministers have to now refresh their memories, they would at least be aware
of the separate initiatives of 2002/2003 by the heads of government of
Guyana and Barbados for a common policy on development, management and
sustainability of fishing and other marine resources.
Question of relevance, therefore, is why the continued foot-dragging by
CARICOM on such a vital area of cooperation that member governments
recognise as being in the interest of all partner states?
By all means let the bilateral fishing talks between Barbados and Trinidad
and Tobago take place, and with utmost seriousness, for a practical
resolution. Let Gonsalves' right to warn against illegal fishing in his
country's waters be recognised.
It is imperative, however, that there be some significant movement towards
achieving the elusivea common goal for a regional fisheries policy and
creation of an appropriate mechanism for its implementation. Cut the talk
and do the action. |
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