The United States Government has pledged $62.5 million to assist with the creation of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Public Service Frederick A. Mitchell announced in Parliament on Monday.
Minister Mitchell was responding to critics claim that the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and CARICOM and its aspirations to a single market and economy is anti-American.
“The fact is that in November, 2004, just a few months ago, the US Government provided a pledge by agreement with CARICOM for $62.5 million in funds to help with the creation of a single market and economy,” Minister Mitchell said during debate on the 2005-2006 budget.
The Minister noted that he recently chaired a meeting between CARICOM and US Secretary of State Dr. Condoleeza Rice, and among other things, the two sides are pledged to work on a conference on the future of the Caribbean.
“No distinction was made between The Bahamas and others by the US at that meeting,” Minister Mitchell said.
By Bahamas Information Services
