Dominica to Sign Samoa Agreement: PM Skerrit Addresses Concerns and Clarifies Stance

Barbara 23rd November, 2023

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Dominica has announced its intention to sign the Samoa Agreement, a significant legal framework outlining the relationship between the European Union (EU) and the Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS) for the next two decades. Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, addressing a news conference, acknowledged the concerns raised by various groups, including the Roman Catholic Church, about the agreement.

Prime Minister Skerrit, during the conference, emphasized that the Samoa Agreement does not significantly deviate from its predecessor, the Cotonou Agreement. He noted that interpretations of such documents can vary, much like interpretations of the Bible, and assured that the agreement does not impose specific ills or views on the African, Caribbean, and Pacific regions.

Skerrit expressed his satisfaction with the vigilance of the Catholic Church in this matter. He specifically commended Trinidad and Tobago Archbishop Jason Gordon and St. Lucian Archbishop Gabriel Malzaire for their proactive approach in highlighting potential concerns.

The Prime Minister, a Roman Catholic himself, plans to discuss these issues further with Archbishop Malzaire. He stressed the importance of understanding the agreement’s nuances and its implications for Dominica and the wider region.

The Samoa Agreement, signed in Apia, will provisionally apply from January 1, 2024, and will officially come into force following approvals by the European Parliament, EU member states, and at least two-thirds of the 79 OACPS members. It encompasses various subjects, including sustainable development, human rights, and peace and security.

Archbishop Gordon has criticized the agreement, expressing concerns about its potential to impose laws not aligned with Caribbean values and culture. He fears it could lead to a new form of colonial imposition on small states and regions like the Caribbean, Africa, and the Pacific.

Gordon’s primary concern is that the agreement, while primarily a trade and financial support document, might compel signatory countries to adopt legislation on sensitive issues like abortion, transgender rights, and LGBTQ issues for two decades.

However, Prime Minister Skerrit, while respecting the archbishops’ views, prefers to respond to the general concerns raised. He believes that the Samoa Agreement’s clauses are similar to those in the Cotonou Agreement and do not explicitly include the controversial issues highlighted.

Prime Minister Skerrit pointed out specific articles in the 403-page document, such as Article 29, which addresses health issues, and Article 48, focusing on gender equality. These articles, he explained, emphasize access to sexual and reproductive health services and education but do not mandate specific legislative actions.

The Prime Minister reassured the Catholic Church and the public that the agreement does not obligate Dominica to implement controversial policies. He emphasized that any significant societal changes in these areas would likely require a referendum, reflecting the will of the Dominican people.

PM Skerrit’s message is clear: while the Samoa Agreement is a framework for cooperation and development, it does not dictate specific domestic policies. The government of Dominica remains cautious and committed to ensuring that any international agreements align with the nation’s values and readiness for change.