Grave consequences await Guyana if it does not sign the EPA

Oct 12, 2008 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
In July, I wrote a letter published by the Kaieteur News, which said if Guyana refuses to sign the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA), we have to pay taxes on our products going into the European market.

Today (11/10/2008), I read in SN that the European Union Foreign Ministers are meeting (Monday13-10-08) in Luxemburg to have Guyana pay taxes for its products entering the European market, due to President Jagdeo’s refusal to sign the EPA.

Guyana’s Ambassador to Brussels, Patrick I. Gomes, said the EU’s move could ultimately lead to the country losing 70 million euros (US$94 million) each year (SN 11/10/2008).

You do not have to be a financial wizard to know what this will mean for Guyana and the continued erosion of the standard of living for the working poor.

The Opposition gave no leadership, and allowed President Jagdeo to mislead the country to the potential detriment of all.

Many of the trade union leaders blindly supported the President. The business community was confused, lacklustre and thought it safer to follow than be independent.

The citizenry looked on helplessly or played follow-the-leaders. The dissenting voices were trade unionists Lincoln Lewis and Norris Witter and an outstanding analysis in the letter columns by Ramon Gaskin.

One of the reasons I think President Jagdeo does not want to sign the EPA is because the EPA demands transparency in the business practices of participating countries.

Things such as the awarding of contracts will come under public scrutiny. Under the procurement conditions, every contract will have to be advertised, which means anybody can apply; and when the contract is awarded, it has to be made public, and any aggrieved person can object. In fact, the EPA will bring an end to ‘contracts for the boys’ and ‘business as usual.’

Once the President said he would sign an EPA “goods only” agreement. To do this, it means that the President will ignore the other CARICOM countries, which are service-driven economies.

Imagine President Jagdeo thinks he can convince CARICOM Heads of Government that their service-driven economies are unimportant. CARICOM is an integrated institution, likewise will be the relationships flowing from it.

If Guyana does not see the importance of recognising the service-driven economies of its sister CARICOM countries, then it should not be disappointed or cry foul when these CARICOM countries refuse to trade with it, turn back its nationals at their airports, and deny them employment under the CSME Movement of Skills conditions.

President Jagdeo’s actions are driven by pure self-interest, making a mockery of CARICOM, and in the process undermining the economies and relationships of Guyana and other CARICOM countries.
Humphrey Charles

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