St. Lucian group calls for referendum

A group of civil society organisations in St. Lucia has called for a referendum on the controversial Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) negotiated between Europe and the region.



The Network of Civil Society said it welcomes last week’s decision by the government to hold back on signing the trade deal.



President of the group, Flavia Cherry said a referendum is critical for geting people’s views and educating the populace.



She said it is important for the country to understand the EPA and the implications it will have for less developed countries.



Cherry said the recent announcement by Prime Minister Stephenson King that St. Lucia will delay the signing was good for the country.



Guyana has also indicated that it will not sign the deal on September 2.



Chairman of CARICOM, Prime Minister Baldwin Spencer of Antigua and Barbuda last Thursday hinted that the regional bloc could push back the signing of the agreement.