Jamaica to sign Samoa Agreement after initial concerns

Nov. 23, 2023

Jamaica initially postponed signing onto a partnership with the European Union earlier this month — the so-called Samoa Agreement that will serve as an overarching legal framework for the relationship between the European Union (EU) and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) for the next 20 years. The Jamaican government later said it would sign, pledging that the deal will not impose any requirements on Jamaica to introduce measures which are foreign to the island's culture. (Jamaica Gleaner)

The agreement encompasses 79 countries, including 16 from the Caribbean. But some of the 35 countries that have not yet signed (they have until the end of the year) voiced concern regarding rights commitments in the agreement. Jamaican critics said the agreement was a potential threat to the country’s sovereignty and could bind Jamaica to undefined human rights obligations tied to trade sanctions and reintroduce Comprehensive Sexuality Education. (Radio Jamaica, Jamaica Observer, Freedom Come Rain)

However, a number of civil society groups and leaders have called for Jamaica to sign the Samoa Agreement a partnership agreement, according to Petchary’s Blog. They believe it aligns with existing international agreements and emphasizes human rights, gender equality, and sustainable development.

Dominica’s government said it intends to sign the Samoa Agreement. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit said that while he is aware of the concerns being raised in several quarters, including the Roman Catholic Church, the agreement does not depart significantly from the Cotonou Agreement which it replaces. (Caribbean Media Corporation)

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Deadly rains in DR related to climate change — Abinader

At least 25 people were killed over the weekend in the Dominican Republic after heavy rains that also displaced over 13,000 people after torrential rains flooded homes, caused power outages and damaged bridges and parts of roads. (CNN and Reuters)

In his response, President Luis Abinader insisted that climate change must be taken seriously. “Those who do not believe in climate change, start believing,” said Abinader, who spoke of “extensive and substantial” damages. (Al Jazeera)

Caribbean and the World

• Guyana’s government declined to engage with a U.S. “fact finding mission” into claims that the state is discriminating against citizens of African ancestry. The Ali administration dismissed the visit as interference in domestic politics and alleged it is biased in favor of the opposition. (Loop)

• Haitian leaders must find a way to work together to dig the country out of its protracted crisis, said Dennis Francis, the Trinidadian diplomat who currently serves as the UN General Assembly president, after a visit this week. (Miami Herald)

• CARICOM called for an immediate ceasefire between Israel and Palestine due to the escalating conflict, expressing deep concern over the mounting civilian casualties, reports Loop. They emphasize the need for compliance with international humanitarian law and advocate for a two-state solution as the lasting path to peace. 

• The U.N. General Assembly approved a proposal for organization to develop a global tax framework, yesterday. “In what advocates hailed as a “historic victory,” countries voted 125 to 48 to adopt a resolution tabled by Nigeria last month on behalf of African member states, calling for a U.N. tax convention that could drastically change how global tax rules are set,” reports the ICIJ.

• African nations were all able to unite to champion the UN Tax Convention “in an unprecedented effort to release themselves from the shackles of their (former) colonizers – at least for tax governance. But parts of the Caribbean, Latin America, and the Pacific,” did not support efforts ahead of the vote, according to Marla Dukharan, Economist and Advisor on the Caribbean.

Climate Justice

• Belize’s new referendum law expands the circumstances in which a referendum must be held to include any proposed amendment or repeal, whether expressed or implied of the Petroleum Operations (Maritime Zone Moratorium) Act., reports Loop. Conservation advocate Oceana said the support of over 22,000 Belizean voters are a victory for community engagement and democracy.

• CEO of the Carbon Zero Institute of Trinidad and Tobago, Donald Baldeosingh, speaks with Caribbean Climate Calabash on theme “Surviving Oil Gas’ Death Spiral.” Watch. 

• “Moving toward a ‘Green Bandung Woods’ means building a democratic global economic and monetary order, not one based on the plutocratic principle of one dollar, one vote. Such an order must work to reduce economic inequalities between countries and between those bearing the brunt of cli-mate change and climate injustice”, states Derisking Developmentalism: A Tale of Green Hydrogen, a new study by Daniela Gabor and Ndongo Samba Sylla. 

• “The past decade was the warmest decade ever recorded. As climate impacts intensify, numbers of people displaced and in need of relocation increase. International law has yet to adapt to a changing climate and its implications for those most vulnerable”, explores Human Rights Approach to Climate-Induced Displacement, a new investigation by Juliana Vélez-Echeverri and Camila Bustos,

Public Security

• St. Lucia is currently hosting the Caribbean Firearms Roadmap meeting, uniting officials from CARICOM, the Dominican Republic, and international organizations to tackle illicit firearm proliferation in the region. (Loop)

• Surinamese authorities are sounding an alarm about a group of Pakistani nationals who legally entered the country but didn't register when they were supposed to depart. This absence has raised concerns of potential human trafficking, according to Loop.

Human Rights 

• Attorney Ria Mohammed-Davidson, a member of the Human Rights Committee of the Law Association of Trinidad & Tobago, talks about the difference between government policy and policy that has been turned into law, and why it is important to have laws on Law and Disability Rights. She also shares her thoughts about parents being the best advocates for their children.

• Also on Law and Disability Rights, Senator Paul Richards explains the many different ways people with disabilities are impacted by a lack of laws, to protect their human rights.

• The chlordecone crisis in Guadeloupe and Martinique, stemming from its historical use on banana plantations, has led to widespread contamination, profoundly affecting public health with increased rates of diseases like prostate cancer. Pierrette Pyram Ambrosio's advocacy through Diivines.LGBTQIA+ for free chlordecone screenings in Paris is pivotal, shedding light on the urgent need for awareness, justice, and support for affected West Indian communities.  “We can’t give up. Guadeloupeans have no choice but to live in their own archipelago”, states Ambrosio for Erasing 76 Crimes. 

• Wenceslaus James, the longest-serving death row inmate in Trinidad and Tobago, has been released by the High Court after enduring over 24 years on death row and three decades in custody for a murder conviction. His release follows a legal battle led by The Death Penalty Project, highlighting constitutional breaches in his prolonged detention. (Daily Express)

Opportunities

• Imagine Caribbean, a new fellowship aimed at Caribbean persons who are passionate about climate action has announced its requirement for candidates. Organized by Caribbean Climate Network and 350.org, the prorgam will benefit participants from a series of workshops, trainigns, conversation spaces and mentorship opportunities from January to june 2024. Applications are open until the 3rd of December. More details. 

Events

• November 27th and November 28th, Conference on South South Cooperation in International Tax Matters: Don’t cede your taxing rights by signing a blank check, organized by South Center and Global Alliance Tax for Justice will be held via zoom. Register.