CARICOM has consistently called for an immediate, unconditional, and sustained ceasefire and unimpeded humanitarian access. These urgent calls have largely gone unheeded, leading to a crisis of unparalleled proportions. Relentless military operations, including indiscriminate bombardment and direct attacks on aid-seeking civilians, flagrantly violate international humanitarian law.

We are appalled by UN and humanitarian reports depicting widespread hunger, disease, and displacement, deliberately exacerbated by deprivation of basic necessities such as food, water, medicine. Critical fuel shortages further threaten to halt all lifesaving services. The weaponization of essential resources is morally repugnant, intolerable and unconscionable.

We unequivocally condemn all violence against civilians, including the abhorrent 7 October 2023 attacks and hostage-taking. We equally condemn the disproportionate military response, actions contravening international law, and systematic undermining of peace by illegal settlement expansion. The unacceptable dismantling of humanitarian mechanisms, replacing UN-led coordination with military control, demonstrably leads to further civilian casualties.

CARICOM reaffirms its unwavering commitment to a two-state solution as the only viable path to comprehensive, just, and lasting peace between Israelis and Palestinians, consistent with UN Security Council Resolutions and international law. We lament the belligerent and continued disregard for these resolutions, urging the international community to redouble efforts for strict adherence and enforcement.

We, the Heads of Government, urgently demand an immediate ceasefire.  There must be full, safe, and unimpeded humanitarian access throughout Gaza, ensuring vital aid, including fuel, medical supplies, food, and water, reaches all in need without delay. We call for an immediate and unconditional release of all hostages and detainees. We demand an end to forced displacement of Palestinians and protection of civilians in accordance with international humanitarian law. It is imperative that there is accountability for all violations of international law, with perpetrators brought to justice.

We, the Heads of Government, reiterate our solidarity with all victims and urge maximum diplomatic efforts for a durable solution to the legitimate security and humanitarian concerns of all parties. The international community cannot stand idly by while this catastrophe deepens.

CARICOM stands ready to support all constructive initiatives for a lasting peace that meets the legitimate aspirations for security, dignity, and stability of all Israelis, Palestinians, and peoples in the wider Middle East.

Agreed 8 July 2025

Montego Bay, Jamaica

The CARICOM Declaration on Climate Change, approved at a meeting of CARICOM Ministers with responsibility for Climate Change, made an urgent call for unswerving global solidarity to deliver ambition, timely action, and support for a just transition during this decade, with the aim of limiting global warming to well below 1.5C.

The Declaration demanded climate justice and the assurance that the Region’s survival will not be compromised.  It called on leaders at COP26 to close the emissions gap, scale up finance particularly for the most vulnerable, and agree to rules to guide parties to progressively increase and demonstrate highest ambition.

Please see the full Declaration:

 CARICOM Declaration on Climate Change leading up to COP26

“1.5: Ambition to Defend the Most Vulnerable”

Underscoring that Small Island and low-lying coastal Developing States (SIDS) are particularly vulnerable to climate change, and have been internationally recognized as a special case for sustainable development,

Recalling the Special Report of the IPCC on 1.5°C and the recent IPCC Report which confirms that the current decade is the final opportunity to keep 1.5°C within reach,

Gravely concerned that global average warming has already reached 1.2°C, and the prospect of exceeding 1.5°C in the 2030s is imminent, noting in this regard that the IPCC projects that global warming could rise to 2.7°C by the end of the century,

Alarmed that even at 1.5°C SIDS will continue to experience the worsening of slow onset events and extreme events including more intense storms, along with heavy or continuous rainfall events, ocean acidification, increased marine heatwaves, rising sea levels together with storm surges resulting in coastal inundation, saltwater intrusion into aquifers and shoreline retreat, as well as the continued overall decline in rainfall, increased aridity, and more severe agricultural and ecological droughts,

Recognizing that these impacts threaten both human and natural systems, and that the already steep social, economic and environmental costs have already exceeded the Region’s overall capacity to adapt,

Underscoring thus the limits to the region’s adaptive capacity, the increasing evidence and the growing toll of loss and damage, with cataclysmic and existential implications for the Caribbean,

Emphasizing with consternation that while the Region emits roughly 0.2% of global greenhouse gases, it is disproportionately bearing the costs of a climate crisis it did not create,

Further emphasizing that the ineligibility of CARICOM Members to access grant or concessionary support has contributed to increasing unsustainable debt burdens that are grossly exacerbated by the economic fallout from the continuing COVID-19 pandemic as well as other shocks including extreme weather events,

Noting that developed countries have failed to deliver on the long-term climate finance goal of providing at least USD100 billion per annum by 2020, and continue to channel most resources to mitigation, with adaptation making up merely 20 percent of climate finance thus far,

Noting also that the scale of the current finance goal and the rate of disbursement of financing is incommensurate with the scale of the needs of developing countries to implement their climate plans which is estimated to be in the range of trillions of dollars,

Noting that despite the climate crisis not being of their making, SIDS have had to use their own resources, constrained by COVID, debt, a lack of policy and fiscal space wrought by global financial norms and inflexible rules, an absence of support, and, for some, the millstone of being classified as middle-income countries, to finance the climate crisis, jeopardizing progress towards the attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals.

Highlighting thus the need for a new collective quantified goal on climate finance that shifts from billions to trillions and adequately as well as predictably addresses the needs of developing countries in a timely fashion,

Taking note of the UNFCCC Synthesis Report which concludes that current NDCs fall far short of the mitigation ambition to maintain global temperatures below 1.5°C, and highlighting in particular that the major emitters especially those with historic responsibility have not submitted NDCs consistent with 1.5°C,

Underscoring that members of the Group of 20, who account for 75 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, have the greatest mitigation potential to curb emissions and keep 1.5°C within reach,

Recognizing that the Conferences of the Parties to the Convention, the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement are meeting for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, and that it is expected to complete the Paris Agreement Work Programme in order to strengthen accountability, transparency and ensure environmental integrity, in line with the Paris Agreement and its subsequent Work Programme,

Recognizing also that this COP marks the first five-year cycle since the adoption of the Paris Agreement and therefore it is a first opportunity to examine Nationally Determined Contributions in light of the goals of the Paris Agreement,

Convinced that, in light of the foregoing, COP26 is the last best chance to keep 1.5°C within reach,

Resolved to engage across all of society to amplify a robust regional response to climate change, and motivated to do so to secure a safe climate future for our young people,

We, the CARICOM Ministers with responsibility for Climate Change, hereby declare that the Region faces a climate emergency and unavoidable loss and damage. We call urgently for unswerving global solidarity to deliver ambition, timely action, and support, for a just transition this decade with the aim of limiting global warming to well below 1.5°C. We demand climate justice and the assurance that our survival will not be compromised.

We call upon leaders at COP26 to close the emissions gap, scale up finance particularly for the most vulnerable, and agree on rules to guide parties to progressively increase and demonstrate highest ambition.

To close the emissions gap, we call on leaders of the Group of 20 to commit by COP26 to:

• Urgently close the emissions gap in order to maintain global warming to well below 1.5°C;

• Deliver, well before the global stocktake in 2023, new NDCs with 2030 targets that are consistent with the 1.5°C temperature goal and credible net zero by 2050 long-term strategies;

• Support efforts to encourage the aviation and shipping sectors to align with the Paris goals; and,

• Provide fair and just compensation for ecosystem services provided by forests regarding climate and atmospheric regulation;

• Support efforts to conserve and enhance reservoirs and sinks of greenhouse gases, including forests.

• Ensure a green and sustainable approach to the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

We resolve to continue to do our part to contribute ambitious climate plans and in this regard:

• Commend fellow Member States who have already submitted ambitious targets and note encouragingly the efforts of others to finalize their submissions; and

• Commit to marshal all efforts to present low emission development strategies in line with a net zero by 2050 commitment and adaptation communications or adaptation plans, as appropriate.

We also underscore the need to optimize synergies between climate action and COVID-19 responses to ensure a green and sustainable approach to the recovery and plea for the international community to urgently support:

• CARICOM Members rapid access to grants and other sustainable and affordable financial instruments,

• Improved modalities of access for the Region to climate finance including at the sub- national and local levels, direct access modalities as well as direct financing mechanisms, simplified approval procedures, innovative financial arrangements such as debt for climate swaps

• Regional efforts to develop capacity, and access fit for purpose, state of the art technology, to improve and accelerate responses to climate change, and to strengthen monitoring and reporting,

• Dedicated funds for adaptation and for loss and damage for SIDS; and,
• Debt forgiveness, debt relief, and increased liquidity for the region.

To close the finance gap, we call on developed countries to:

• Deliver on their goal of at least USD100 billion per annum by 2020, aiming for a balance between mitigation and adaptation, and to progressively scale up finance from the floor of USD100 billion p.a.;

• Submit a credible plan for the period 2020 through to 2025, on delivering and going beyond the floor of USD100 billion p.a., that includes a specific target to significantly increase finance for SIDSin accordance with our needs, and modalities for fast-track financing in keeping with the emergency we face;

• Ensure that all CARICOM Member States are able to access climate finance as grants and other concessionary instruments on affordable terms bearing in mind the lender’s responsibility not to undermine a country’s debt sustainability;

• Provide dedicated funds additional to the USD100 billion p.a. floor to support the Caribbean and other SIDS in proactively responding to loss and damage already being incurred;

• Support the establishment of a formal replenishment process for the Adaptation Fund;

• Agree to a process for the new climate finance goal to be disaggregated to address:

• adaptation; mitigation; loss and damage response; just transition; transparency; readiness and enabling activities; and mechanisms supporting capacity building, technology transfer and providing technical assistance to developing countries;

• a sub-goal for non-state actors;

• specific attention to the needs and capabilities of Small Island and low-lying Developing States; and,

• transparency and consistency in reporting, linked to the enhance transparency framework and the implementation and compliance mechanism of the Paris Agreement; and

• At the regional level, to enhance capitalization of the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility.

We also welcome the additional support of others in a position to do so.

To finalize the Paris Agreement Work Programme, we commit to work with all delegations:

• Guided by the objective of enabling the highest possible ambition so as to maintain global warming to well below 1.5°C and to keep all Paris goals within reach, to elaborate article 6 rules and guidance emphasizing the need to address the core issues of:

• environmental integrity,

• A substantial discount rate on carbon credits in order to accelerate reduction of greenhouse gas emissions for the overall mitigation of global emissions in line with the 1.5°C temperature goal,

• corresponding adjustments, avoidance of double counting and carryover of Kyoto Protocol units,

• a defined share of proceeds that provides a significant predictable and sustainable source of finance contributing to the scaling up of adaptation finance that can be channeled to the Adaptation Fund; and

• capacity building and technology transfer for developing countries to participate in the range of available article 6 approaches;

• To ensure that in the operationalization of the rules and guidance of article 6 that developing countries are able to fully and effectively participate in, contribute to and benefit from market and non-market approaches;

• Finalise the arrangements for the implementation of the enhanced transparency framework in line with the modalities, and guidelines agreed under the Paris Agreement Work Programme and in accordance with the principles of transparency, accuracy, consistency, completeness and comparability; and, expand capacity building support for SIDS and LDCs especially for generating data, and for reporting on support needed and received;

• Synchronize nationally determined contributions (NDCs) preferably on a five-year timeframe with the aim of enabling progressive increase of ambition to limit global warming to well below 1.5°C;

• Establish a process utilizing the best available science, to support the implementation, and assessment of progress of activities towards achieving the global goal on adaptation; and,

• Agree on a time bound process for the full operationalization of the Santiago Network on Loss and Damage that will ensure that the Network can deliver on its mandate to developing countries, with adequate support, both institutional and financial.

Finally, we recall that thirty years ago, SIDS raised the issue of loss and damage and the need therefore for international cooperation to prevent dangerous anthropogenic climate change. Thirty years later we are facing dangerous climate change and the SIDS are dangerously on its frontline. Clearly the models have not worked and there must now be renewed effort, renewed commitment and a different way of thinking.

We urge all leaders at COP26 to finally confront the reality of loss and damage in SIDS and to identify robust options on a way forward for the UNFCCC to deliver action and support that responds to this reality and ensures our survival. We emphasize that there is no more time for equivocation and no more time for delay.

Recalling the CARICOM Declaration for Climate Action made at the Thirty-Sixth Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) in July 2015,

Recalling the objectives, principles and commitments of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (the Convention), the Kyoto Protocol, the Doha Amendment to the Kyoto Protocol and the Paris Agreement,

Recalling further the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development (the 2030 Agenda) and its goals,

Reaffirming that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) remain a special case for environment and development, considering their unique and particular vulnerability to the adverse impacts of climate change, as acknowledged in the Convention, the Paris Agreement and by the international community in multiple international fora,

Noting with grave concern that our people are already confronting the negative effects of climate change, including extreme weather events such as hurricanes, especially Irma and Maria, drought; and, in some cases, our ecosystems are approaching the limits of their adaptive capacities,

 Recalling with appreciation the humanitarian support provided to CARICOM countries affected by hurricanes and tropical storms in 2017 and the financial commitments made at the CARICOM-UN High-Level Pledging Conference on 21 November 2017 to support their rebuilding efforts,

Alarmed that the Region’s ability to achieve sustainable development in line with the 2030 Agenda will be severely compromised by the failure of the international community to take ambitious climate action to hold the increase in global average temperature to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels (1.5°C ),

Underscoring thus the imperative to close the gap between the aggregate effect of mitigation targets in nationally determined contributions (NDCs) and the level of effort required to limit the increase in global average temperature to 1.5°C and reiterating further the equally urgent need to enhance the Region’s capacity to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change and to address permanent loss and damage,

Enhanced global cooperation for urgent and ambitious climate action

Resolute in our commitment to urgent and ambitious action on climate change in order to secure the future of our people,

Now therefore, we, the Heads of State and Government:

Call for a global effort to close the mitigation ambition gap and place the world on pathways for low emissions climate resilient development;

Urge the international community to continue to support the Caribbean in its ongoing efforts to contribute to global efforts to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases and to adapt to the impacts of climate change and build the Region’s resilience;

Emphasize the critical importance of pre-2020 climate action;

Further emphasize the centrality of the Paris Agreement for progressively ambitious climate action and urge universal participation in its implementation;

Commit to accelerate efforts regionally in order that all CARICOM Member States have undertaken the necessary action to ratify the Paris Agreement at the latest by the Conference of Parties to be held in Poland in December 2018 (COP 24);

Towards a successful COP 24

Reflecting upon the specific needs and circumstances of our countries that are particularly vulnerable to the adverse impacts of climate change, we:

Commend the Fiji Presidency for its stewardship of the Twenty-Third Conference of the Parties (COP 23), its commitment to focus international attention on the plight of Small Island and Low-Lying Coastal Developing States (SIDS) and the continued preparatory work for COP 24, including the Talanoa Dialogue and the finalization of the Paris Agreement Work Programme (PAWP);

Encourage Poland in its capacity as the incoming Presidency of COP 24 to maintain international attention on the small island and low-lying coastal developing states and confirm CARICOM’s full support for a successful and ambitious Climate Change Conference;

Look forward to the release in early October of the Inter-Governmental Panel on Climate Change Special Report:  Global Warming of 1.5°C and a dedicated space to discuss the implications of the Report prior to COP to better inform the Talanoa Dialogue;

Commit to full participation in the Talanoa Dialogue process, at the national and regional levels, and to the highest level participation in the global process at COP 24, so as to catalyze the necessary political momentum for more ambitious climate action compatible with the 1.5°C temperature limit including through the communication of new and updated NDCs in advance of 2020;

Call for urgent steps to ensure progress in the completion of a holistic and effective Paris Agreement Work Programme by COP 24 that will establish a robust foundation and support all parties in the implementation of their obligations under the Agreement;

Emphasize that loss and damage is an integral pillar of the Paris Agreement and calls for the provision of adequate support to initiatives under the Warsaw International Mechanism (WIM) for Loss and Damage as well as support to enable countries to submit loss and damage proposals to the Green Climate Fund (GCF);

Call on all countries, both developing and developed, to participate actively and meaningfully in discussions to address Loss and Damage, including in the context of the Suva Expert Dialogue on Loss and Damage;

Urge the international community to support the CARICOM in its drive to recapitalize the Caribbean Catastrophe Risk Insurance Facility (CCRIF) as the premiere mechanism that presently addresses loss and damage, in the face of more intense extreme weather events exacerbated by climate change;

Recall the commitment of developed countries to jointly mobilize by 2020 through to 2025, USD100 billion per annum, and urge the announcement, during the High-level Ministerial Dialogue on Climate Finance, of demonstrable efforts to further advance towards meeting the 100 billion goal, while aiming to achieve a balance in the provision of resources for mitigation and adaptation actions and targeting the needs of SIDS for public and grant-based resources for adaptation;

Acknowledge the importance of the availability of a wide variety of sources, instruments and channels for scaling up climate finance and urge the finalization at COP 24 of the necessary decisions to have the Adaptation Fund serve the Paris Agreement;

Also urge the launch of an inclusive process for the first formal replenishment process of the Green Climate Fund (GCF) and the development of a comprehensive resource mobilization strategy informed by the latest science and the urgent needs especially of the Small Island and Low-Lying Coastal Developing States;

Commit to effectively participate in the negotiation process through to COP 24, in order to advance the region’s priorities and to support and supplement positions taken by the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS); and

Urge the international community to ensure that the outcomes of COP 24 result in the full and effective operationalisation of the Paris Agreement.

The Summit was held in an atmosphere of warmth and mutual understanding. Heads of Government discussed current, pressing political and economic issues of interest to both sides as well as progress made in the area of technical assistance and cooperation since their First Summit in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago in 1999. Of great significance, in this latter regard, were the agreements entered into with Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago regarding the promotion and protection of investments.

Heads of State and/or Government identified several issues on which to collaborate in the future. Of prime importance to the CARICOM countries, is the intention of Spain to pursue its interest in becoming a member of the Caribbean Development Bank. They also agreed that in between Summits, this process should be advanced through the forum of the CARICOM – Spain Joint Commission, the inaugural meeting of which has been scheduled for the latter half of 2002.

The attached Joint Declaration was issued at the conclusion of the Summit.

JOINT DECLARATION
SECOND SPAIN-CARICOM SUMMIT
MADRID, 16 MAY 2002

Heads of State and of Government of CARICOM Member States and the Prime Minister of Spain met 16 May, in Madrid, in a joint working session to review political, economic and cooperation issues which affect both Parties. At the conclusion of these discussions, the following Joint Declaration was issued:

I.     POLITICAL RELATIONS: CARICOM-SPAIN

The Second CARICOM – Spain Summit highlighted the excellent relations between both Parties and there was a clear demonstration of their commitment to maintaining a stable institutional relationship initiated at the First Summit which was held in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago in 1999. It was agreed that the political dialogue at these meetings provided a framework within which to coordinate relations between CARICOM Member States and the Kingdom of Spain in the political, economic and technical cooperation, and cultural spheres.

A)     European Union – Caribbean Relations

CARICOM countries and Spain reaffirmed the importance, which they attach to the II European Union – Latin America and the Caribbean (EU-LAC) Summit to be held in Madrid on 17 May 2002. This mutual interest is demonstrated by the theme of the Second EU – LAC Summit “Enhancing the Strategic Partnership for the 21st Century”.

In the context of the framework of economic and commercial relations between CARICOM and the European Union, CARICOM and Spain reiterated their commitments undertaken in the Cotonou Agreement. Spain agreed to advocate, within the European Union, the Region's concerns on sensitive matters such as the need to safeguard the preferential access for Caribbean bananas, the ACP-EU Sugar Protocol, and the implications of the “Everything But Arms” Initiative. Spain agreed to lend support to the timely implementation of the approved programme of assistance for the Region's rum industry and to appropriate Caribbean tourism projects funded by the European Commission as well as to facilitate a speedy decision on the financial package for the Caribbean rice industry.

CARICOM countries also sought the support of Spain, in its capacity as a member of the Troika of the European Union, for the development agenda of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) within the framework of the World Summit on Sustainable Development (WSSD).

Both Parties highlighted the universality of human rights and reiterated their commitment to these rights. They also recalled the obligations of governments in the protection of the environment.

Both parties reaffirmed their firm commitment to the fight against terrorism in accordance with the principles recognised by the United Nations (UN).

B)     Bilateral and Multilateral Relations

CARICOM Heads of State and Government and the Spanish Prime Minister exchanged views related to developments in the integration processes in their respective Regions as well as on the strengthening of relations between Europe and the Caribbean. In this regard, both Parties underscored their interest in increasing the reciprocal accreditation of Ambassadors.

Both Parties expressed satisfaction at the strengthening of relations within the context of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), of which Spain has been an Observer since 1996. They also signalled the importance of meetings and encounters in other fora, such as the Tourism Summit, held in The Bahamas in 2001 to which Spain was invited as an Observer.

CARICOM countries gave their support for the candidature of Spain for a non-permanent post on the United Nations Security Council for the period 2003 – 2004. Spain expressed its sincere appreciation for this support. Both Parties underscored the common commitment to the defence of democratic principles, and respect for civil and human rights. They also expressed their satisfaction at the concerted political action achieved within the framework of the UN and their desire to continue promoting this approach on those issues which affect the functioning of this institution and its related agencies.

Spain and CARICOM countries reiterated their firm commitment to the fight against narco-trafficking and noted the introduction in national legislation of more effective laws to combat money laundering. Both Parties underscored the importance of the existing coordination and cooperation mechanism between the EU and Latin America and the Caribbean, which recently concluded its IV High-Level Meeting in Madrid. With the aim of strengthening cooperation between both Parties in this area, Spain gave an undertaking to give continued support to the Region's efforts to fight narco-trafficking including the hosting of a Seminar on Combating Narco-trafficking with the necessary technical assistance.

CARICOM and Spain welcomed the entry into force of the Statute of Rome to create the International Criminal Court. They recognised the important role played in this process by the Caribbean Community, in particular Trinidad and Tobago, and by the European Union. Both Parties expressed the view that the Court would constitute an essential element in promoting international respect for the rule of law and for human rights, and in this way would contribute to the maintenance of peace and the strengthening of international security, in accordance with the provisions of the United Nations Charter.

Spain recognised the importance of an Agenda for Small States in the international and multilateral context, and declared its willingness to support, within its means, CARICOM's requests for assistance in this regard.

With the aim of deepening political relations between CARICOM and Spain, both Parties expressed their satisfaction with the exchange of high-level visits since the First Summit with the visit of the Prime Minister of The Bahamas to Spain in 2000, the Prime Minister of Belize in 2000 and 2001, and the Prime Minister of Jamaica in 2001. The Spanish Prime Minister has pledged to reciprocate these visits in 2003.

II     CARICOM-SPAIN ECONOMIC RELATIONS

Spain and CARICOM reaffirmed their commitment to fair and just international economic relations based on progressive and equitable trade liberalisation and capital movement to stimulate growth in all countries. The Parties agreed to collaborate in the context of the Doha Work Programme so that Caribbean countries can derive greater benefit from international trade by supporting flexible international trade rules to facilitate the integration of small developing countries into the globalised trading system.

In recognition of Spain's expressed commitment to the economic development of the Caribbean, CARICOM Heads of Government urged Spain to accelerate its undertaking to consider membership of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), especially in light of the Bank's current efforts to expand its membership to include the non-English-speaking Caribbean.

CARICOM and Spain exchanged views on approaches to the negotiations of new ACP-EU Trade Arrangements and WTO compatibility and agreed that the outcome of negotiations, scheduled to commence in September 2002, will change ACP-EU trading relations. Both sides recognised that special attention would have to be given to the adjustments which would have to be made by the Caribbean as a result of the change in ACP-EU trade relations which will be brought about by new trading arrangements. Consideration would also have to be given to the means by which the Caribbean would build its internal economic capacity in preparation for the new global realities and to its full integration into the world economy.

Both Parties welcomed the signing of the Investment Protection and Promotion Agreements between Spain and Trinidad and Tobago and between Spain and Jamaica, and noted Spain's interest in concluding similar arrangements with other CARICOM countries. Spain also indicated an interest in concluding Double Taxation Treaties with CARICOM countries. These were seen as important instruments in promoting Spanish investment in the Region.

CARICOM Heads of Government expressed the view that the work of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) Global Forum on Harmful Tax Practices should ensure a level playing field for all jurisdictions. They reiterated that the standards and time lines for non-OECD jurisdictions should be no more onerous than those for OECD members. It was noted that Caribbean jurisdictions might face increased costs as a consequence of the implementation of any agreed aspects of the OECD's initiative. Spain reiterated its willingness to advocate the position of CARICOM countries where possible and offered technical assistance to CARICOM Member States in meeting requirements of the OECD initiative that are beyond the existing capacity of CARICOM States. Spain's participation in the Caribbean Financial Action Task Force (CFATF) was seen in a positive light, as was the possibility of Spain increasing its contribution to this body.

CARICOM countries expressed their concern to Spain, as a member of the Board of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), on criteria for accessing loans from that Institution and sought Spain's assistance in this regard.

With the aim of encouraging more dynamic trade relations, both Parties reiterated their commitment to promoting the development of Small and Medium-sized enterprises.

III     CARICOM – SPAIN COOPERATION

Both Parties expressed satisfaction at the entry into force of the Agreement on Scientific and Technical Cooperation between Spain and CARICOM and the bilateral Agreement on Scientific and Technical Cooperation with Jamaica and Belize, as well as the progress made towards the entry into force of the Agreement signed with Trinidad and Tobago.

CARICOM Heads of Government and the Spanish Prime Minister noted the progress made in the field of technical cooperation through the seminars and workshops organized by Spain in the following areas: the teaching of Spanish as a Second Language, fisheries development, tourism, and the development of small and medium-sized enterprises. CARICOM also expressed its appreciation to Spain for the establishment of the García Lorca Chair at the University of the West Indies, Mona campus, which was established following the First Summit.

The Parties agreed to convene the First CARICOM – Spain Joint Commission in the second half of 2002 and identified the following priority areas of cooperation as provided for under Article 4 of the Agreement:

     Support for export promotion, tourism, fisheries and environmental programmes.
     Development of Spanish as a Second Language: Spain will collaborate in the creation of a Training Centre for Teachers of Spanish, which would have a regional reach. Until this Centre is operational, support for the teaching of Spanish will continue through the extension of the Agreement between the University of the West Indies, the Instituto Cervantes and the Spanish Agency for International Cooperation.

CARICOM Heads of Government welcomed Spain's offer of scholarships to the Region and other initiatives aimed at developing the Region's human resource base.

CARICOM Heads of Government welcomed the contribution by Spain to the Global Fund to Fight HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria and that country's expressed preference for the above-mentioned Fund to dedicate resources to programmes submitted by the Caribbean region.

IV.     TOWARDS THE THIRD SUMMIT

Spain and CARICOM countries recognized the progress made in the institutionalisation of relations between both Parties since the First Summit.

Both Parties agreed to identify a focal point on each side to facilitate continued dialogue and contact between CARICOM and Spain.

CARICOM Heads of State and Government and the Prime Minister of Spain agreed to continue strengthening their relationship and pledged to convene the Third Summit between the Parties at a place and time to be decided through diplomatic channels.

CARICOM Heads of Government expressed their appreciation to the Government of Spain for the warm hospitality extended to them during their visit.

16 May 2002