At the mercy of the EU
published: Friday | December 10, 2004

THE EDITOR, Sir:

ONCE AGAIN African, Caribbean and Pacific countries find themselves at the mercy of the European Union as negotiations continue on the proposed restructuring of the pricing mechanism used by European countries to pay for sugar.

We are indeed pleased to see the Government standing at the helm of these negotiations and commendations go out to Ambassador Derrick Heaven who led the charge. Ambassador Heaven has distinguished himself as a champion for the poor and his representation in Belgium recently was in keeping with his reputation.

We have to prepare ourselves for tough times ahead, in relation to these talks, as Europe appears set to do away with its commitment made during the 1975 Lome talks. The way forward will see us forced to diversify the product being offered and more emphasis will have to be placed on the value-added potential of sugar. Our government has long resisted pressures to replace sugar with other products deemed more economically viable. The People's National Party Youth Organisation (PNPYO) applauds the government and Ambassador Heaven for the gallant effort at preserving an industry which forms an integral part of our country's economic road to recovery.

I am, etc.,

ANTOINE NEMBHARD

General Secretary-PNPYO

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