The 71st Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) on Agriculture was declared open today, at the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat.
In brief opening remarks, Secretary-General of CARICOM, Irwin LaRocque recalled the “unparalleled” destruction caused by recent hurricanes in the Region and paused to recognise the “significant mobilisation of the Region to assist all affected state.
Minister Holder greets CARICOM Secretary General, Ambassador Irwin La Roque as 71st Special Meeting of COTED opens..
“Never before has two category five hurricanes ravaged the Region in one season never before has a hurricane moved from category 3 to category 5 in thirty-six hours, as Maria did. The events of last month points to the need for our region to build to face what appears to be the new normal”, La Roque said as he acknowledged the dangers of climate change.
The Secretary-General further noted the proposal to establish a regional agricultural subcommittee and encouraged that it considers plans for the agricultural sector to rebound at the shortest possible time, the provision of planting and other materials for the production of short-term food crops; an integral factor in getting the agricultural sector of affected countries back on track.
“A strong and well-adapted food and agriculture sector means that we are better able to guarantee our food security and create larger economic opportunities for our region,” La Roque noted.
Meanwhile, Minister of Agriculture, Noel Holder told the gathering of Agri-Ministers and technocrats from around the region that in recognition of the importance of agriculture in the achievement of food and nutrition security in the region. “Guyana has adopted a multi-sectoral approach in ensuring that all stakeholders play a meaningful role in addressing the key pillars of security.”
While acknowledging challenges faced, Minister Holder said the “Ministry of Agriculture is committed to ensuring that availability of food is increased and sustained in both quality and quantity.”
Technocrats at COTED 71st Special Meeting
Projects, such as the Rural Agricultural Infrastructure Development (RAID), sustainable Agriculture Development Programme in the southwest and intermediate savannahs and the Hinterland Environmentally Sustainable Agriculture Development Project, were identified as government’s initiatives toward ensuring access to food.
Today’s meeting was chaired by Minister of Agriculture, Animal Husbandry and Fisheries of Suriname, Soeresh Algoe. The meeting is expected to examine issues aimed at advancing the Agricultural Policy Framework of the Region, trade issues, value chain development through innovations in agriculture and fisheries, strengthening inter-sectoral linkages between food and agriculture and public health in addressing non-communicable diseases, and matters relating to the common external tariff among others.
COTED promotes trade and economic development of CARICOM and oversees the operations of the Single Market and Economy.
The council bears oversight responsibility for Agriculture, Energy, Environment and Sustainable Development, ICT for Development, Services, Statistics, Tourism, Trade Negotiations, and Transportation.
