Caribbean Report 19-03-1990

Abstract

A new agreement governing the export of bananas to Europe by the Dominican Republic and Caricom may satisfy Caricom concerns but ultimately present similar problems for other ACP suppliers. An analyst predicts that this agreement will merely shift the problem unto other traditional suppliers, which will be one of the items on the agenda of the upcoming ACP-EEC Assembly meeting. Secondly, as overseas creditors squeeze Jamaica’s private sector for overdue payments which collectively exceeds $200 million, the economic officials predict an imminent abolition of exchange controls and the floating of the currency. The next segment raises questions on the existing and future role of the Commonwealth Secretariat as the Caricom nations grapple with a changing economic environment. The report concludes with ongoing negotiations between the government of Suriname and the rebel groups, with many inhabitants of the interior displaced and dissatisfied with the peace talks.