On behalf of Dr. the Honourable Keith Rowley, Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, and the Government and the People of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, I bring greetings and congratulations on the celebration of Europe Day 2016.
Europe Day is, of course, a commemoration without parallel in the history of European integration. And THAT, it should be, as I am sure you all agree.
This commemoration of Robert Schuman’s (RO-BEHR SHOOMUNS) seminal plan, of some sixty-six years ago, represents the rebirth of a continent which had experienced only a few years earlier, the worst of Man’s inhumanity to Man. The Schuman plan, as we know it, was to bravely amalgamate the industrial prowess, and the productive strength of European countries, which had been setback by the ravages of World War II, in such a manner that armed conflict among them would never again be possible, or contemplated.
Today, with the benefit of decades of hindsight, the principle is as convincing, as it is instructive for any nation: Countries that are neighbours, in the full sense of the word, with a common appreciation for the wider good, are much less likely to resort to aggression against each other, if their ambitions and interests converge, rather than diverge.
Clearly, it is the irrepressible desire for peace and security in Europe and the wider world that has driven this courageous project in cooperation for human development, in which the countries of the European Union have engaged over the past seven decades.
Many of us can attest that once one has interacted with any of the major “built-to-last” institutions of the European Union, you bear witness to no ordinary level of organisation. Quite evident are systems of administration, that are sustained by genuine buy-in and support from the broad mass of European citizens.
Trinidad and Tobago’s relationship, first with the European Economic Community and latterly the European Union, has been characterised by constructive dialogue and mutually beneficial engagement, at the bilateral level and under the umbrella of successive partnership agreements between the African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States, the ACP Group, and the European Union. From the very outset, Trinidad and Tobago supported actively the establishment of the ACP/EU development partnership in the early 1970s. The expectation was that such a partnership would allow for tangible cooperation between, on the one hand, some of the world’s strongest economies and on the other, a number “fledgling” developing nations, which had not too long before begun carving their own path to national transformation.
I can say that the courage and trust of our leaders in the brightness of the future they hoped for has been requited by the progress made. As the European Union has risen to become the biggest provider of development aid in the world, and a world-leading exporter, happily, the breadth and depth of its partnership with the ACP have increased. From our own perspective, the result has been that considerable benefit has accrued to Trinidad and Tobago, directly and as part of the Caribbean region, from the programme of trade preferences, aid and technical cooperation provided within the ambit of the Lomé (LO-MAY) Conventions and the Cotonou Partnership Agreement, over the many years of our institutionalised ties.
Through cooperation with the European Union as a reliable partner, countries such as ours are being better equipped to take advantage of trade opportunities, not only in the European market, but other major markets as well. As do many other ACP countries, particularly our Caribbean neighbours, we look forward to continued cooperation toward the necessary capacity-building.
On this note, programmes such as the initiative of support under the 11th European Development Fund for the building of a competitive and innovative economy are more than welcome mechanisms to assist Trinidad and Tobago in the diversification of its export base.
Some of us may have taken note of the glowing success of the European Business Chamber, EUROCHAM TT’s, “Tobago Good Foods Project”, which is being supported under the Tenth European Development Fund: Enabling Competitive Business Strategy. We are particularly pleased with this project, which promotes food production from producers, who practice good agricultural and processing methods, while respecting the environment and promoting community and sustainable development. Its results demonstrate the multitude of benefits to be derived when this type of support is put to good use.
European Union support continues to be vital to our development in a variety of other areas, including: productive infrastructure, culture, crime and security, and health.
Over the many years of our partnership, we both would have acquired considerable wisdom, which would enable productive discussions on the future enhancement of the ACP-EU relationship.
May I say here that an essential feature of our longstanding partnership has been the healthy political dialogue enshrined in the Cotonou Partnership Agreement, which has flourished in recent years.
Our rich exchanges continue to afford Trinidad and Tobago another means to make itself heard on not only matters affecting our relationship, but also, importantly, on global issues affecting all of mankind.
That said, it is acknowledged that our engagement with the European Union can be advanced through the Economic Partnership Agreement, signed between the CARIFORUM States and the European Union in 2008. The aim of the agreement, which one should not tire of repeating, is to put trade at the service of development, not the least of which is trade in services.
Trinidad and Tobago nationals, tourists and business travellers alike, continue to enjoy the freedom from the requirement of the Schengen Visa as a result of the Schengen Visa Waiver policy for short term visits, which was instituted in 2015 and, I am glad to note, ultimately formalised days ago, on May 1st, 2016.
I take this opportunity to acknowledge the efforts of all EU Ambassadors accredited to Trinidad and Tobago in reaching this significant milestone. It would be remiss of me if I did not commend our host this evening, Daniela Tramacere, Chargé d’Affaires who has worked tirelessly to solidify this relationship. I know that when she says au revoir, not adieu, later this year, a quite worthy replacement will be assigned. However, what can hardly be duplicated is her unique combination of charm, wit, tenacity and drive, which she displayed so consistently, as she helped to bring all initiatives to the end desired by both parties.
In closing, may I say how much I look forward to our continued relationship growing stronger in the coming years and I ask that you join me in a toast to Europe and in so doing, wish its Governments and Peoples peace and prosperity.
