By Omar Anderson, Gleaner Writer

Foreign Minister K.D. Knight addresses the 59th Session of the United Nations General Assembly at the United Nations headquarters in New York yesterday. - REUTERS

FOREIGN AFFAIRS Minister K.D. Knight yesterday appealed for a narrowing of the gap between the rich and poor, and rallied for a more equitable distribution of "global prosperity" to developing countries.

Addressing the 59th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, Mr. Knight charged that the benefits of globalisation trade was not being fully realised in international trade.

BETTER MANAGEMENT

"Global economic health requires better management of the economic arrangements at all levels to ensure a more equitable distribution of global prosperity," the Foreign Affairs Minister said, as he urged the United Nations to harness its potential to benefit both developed and developing countries.

Noting there was no substitute for self-reliance, Mr. Knight said there was a role for all participants within the global system.

Regarding developing countries like Jamaica, and other Caribbean territories, the Foreign Affairs Minister suggested the need for differential treatment in relations to trade, the flow of financial resources, the transfer of technology, and the promotion of industrial development.

"The gap between the rich and poor must be narrowed," he said, "otherwise, many developing countries will continue in a downward spiral of declining income and increased poverty ­ the painful consequences for political and social instability and the recurring humanitarian crises."

Referring to several hurricanes which recently ravaged Jamaica, Grenada, and Cayman Islands, Mr. Knight said the loss of lives and the scale of destruction have been catastrophic. He singled out Grenada which he said was "virtually obliterated".

"For those who have had doubts about the reality of the vulnerability of small island states, these recent events should be convincing evidence," the Foreign Affairs Minister said.