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PM:
We must make resources our priority
By
Cara Brennen
Small
countries must always prioritise their resources to ensure their
citizens always have the basic resources even as they seek to
improve infrastructure, according to Prime Minister Perry Christie.
Mr.
Christie officially opened the Inter-Regional Preparatory meeting
to review the implementation of the Barbados Programme of Action
for the Sustainable Development of Small Island States yesterday.
The
week-long meeting is being held at the Radisson Resort and Casino.
SIDS
(Small Island Developing States) are low-lying coastal countries
that share unique issues due to their geography, small economies
and populations.
This
week's meeting attended by more than 300 delegates representing
over 40 countries will review the Barbados plan of action which
was signed at a global conference on that island ten years ago.
The
meeting will also serve as a prelude to a meeting in Mauritius
this August.
Problem
Mr.
Christie noted that a major problem that exists for countries
with limited economies is how to effectively balance resources
to encourage progress but at the same time to provide the very
basic essentials that citizens need to live.
As
an example he noted that while there may be criticism for him
to remove casuarina trees at a cost of $5,000, he would prefer
to use the money on people.
'Let
me use the money to train people, feed them, give them an outside
toilet. It is a matter of balancing priorities.'
Foreign
Affairs Minister Fred Mitchell said the challenge for SIDS countries
had always been to develop infrastructure while at the same time
preserving the environment.
Minister
of Health, Dr. Marcus Bethel, in his welcome remarks, noted that
The Bahamas has in the past ten years (since the BPOA) worked
consistently, reviewing and refocusing government policies and
strategies.
'We
have been successful in reorganising our national efforts to implement
the BPOA. However, we have arrived at a point where future success
will depend on all partners in the global community playing their
part and working diligently to live up to their commitments as
outlined in the BPOA.'
Dr.
Bethel said he hoped the deliberations would provide a forum for
SIDS to finalise their global strategy, discuss common priorities
for action and develop and produce a common blueprint governing
partnership in the world.
The
conference is being hosted by the Bahamas Environment Science
Technology Foundation. Close sessions continue today.
The
Tribune, 27th January 2004
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