EPA is the way for Dominica

Prime Minister of Dominica Roosevelt Skerrit has said that failure to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA) with the European Union (EU) would result in the failure of the banana sector.



Addressing farmers yesterday, Skerrit said the trading arrangement with the EU was not in conformity with the World Trade Organisation (WTO) rules.



Skerrit says although local farmers and the Windward Island Association have expressed reservations, the EPA is in their best interest.



He said not signing the EPA would mean sanctions on banana exports to the US from Dominica.



According to Skerrit, stakeholders in the sector should be looking at ways to save the industry.



On Tuesday non-governmental organisations reiterated their opposition to the signing of the EPA, arguing that the country needed more time to learn about its implications.