STATEMENT BY THE HEADS OF GOVERNMENT OF THE CARIBBEAN COMMUNITY (CARICOM) ON THE POLITICAL SITUATION IN TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO

Heads of Government were informed by the Hon. Basdeo Panday, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago of the political and constitutional situation in that country.

Heads of Government were also apprised by Dr. the Hon. Kenny Anthony, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia - in his capacity as CARICOM Head of Government with lead responsibility for Justice and Governance - of the consultations in which he engaged during his recent visit to Trinidad and Tobago at the request of Prime Minister, the Hon. Basdeo Panday.

Heads of Government thanked the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago for the information, as well as the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia for his efforts, and reaffirmed the readiness of CARICOM to remain at the service of Member States in all appropriate cases.

They expressed their concern at the political and constitutional difficulties confronting Trinidad and Tobago and recognised that the issues were not without significance for constitutionalism in the Region as a whole.

They acknowledged the political arguments that the situation legitimately generated, but believed that the people of Trinidad and Tobago could resolve the issues by lawful and constitutional means.

They urged that failure at any level to act in accordance with the Constitution of Trinidad and Tobago would create a dangerous precedent.

Against this background, they expressed the belief that constitutionalism in Trinidad and Tobago will best prevail through adherence to the Constitution and to a process of meaningful dialogue.

CARICOM stands ready to facilitate this process of dialogue.