Government pushes for EPA deal

The Government is pushing for the signing of the Cariforum-European Union Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), despite a warning from the Opposition to think carefully before inking the deal.



Minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade, Dr Ken Baugh, told Parliament yesterday that it was important for Jamaica to sign the EPA despite the concerns.



The foreign affairs minister also said Jamaica can exit the agreement, if the EPA does not serve Jamaica’s interest, or if the European Community do not honour their commitments.



The EPA was due to be signed on September 2 in Barbados, but the signing has been postponed until later next month.



In her contribution to the debate, Opposition leader, Portia Simpson Miller said the PNP government did not conclude negotiations because there were deficiencies with the EPA.



Mrs. Simpson Miller is against the inclusion of the MFN clause, which would oblige Caricom countries to extend to the European countries any concessions negotiated with third parties.



The head of the lead Caribbean agency that negotiated the EPA has come out fighting in defence of the agreement.



Henry Gill, of the Regional Negotiating Machinery, said there is not a better agreement of its kind anywhere.