Recent Events

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13 July 2005

ACP representatives address MEPs during a European Parliament hearing on European Commission proposals to reform the Sugar Regime

The Agriculture Minister of Mauritius, Arvin Boolell, and Ambassador Derrick Heaven, Executive Chairman of the Jamaican Sugar Industry Authority, addressed MEPs during a European Parliament hearing on European Commission proposals to slash sugar prices by 39% over a period of only four years starting in 2006.

Describing the Commission proposals as "unjust and unacceptable for ACP states", Minister Boolell called for "a reform which is politically, economically and socially sustainable and is consistent with the EU's own decisions to ensure coherence in its policies on trade, agriculture and development cooperation".

"Let us be conscious of the human tragedy the reform proposals will cause in our countries. This is not in the interest of anybody especially at a time when all efforts in the international community are being concentrated on the acceleration of the achievement of the Millennium Development Goals."

Commenting on the vagueness of the Commission's proposal for accompanying measures for the ACP, Ambassador Heaven said: "The measures recognise the need for support on a country specific basis but say lilttle about the criteria that will be used to determine how the still undefined sum proposed will be divided among eligible nations. It also appears to suggest that it is Europe who will decide the policy in each ACP country for their sugar industry."

Minister Boolell and Ambassador Heaven's remarks were met with strong support from a number of MEPs.


Hon. Arvin Boolell, Minister for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Republic of Mauritius	HE Derrick Heaven, Executive Chairman, Jamaica Sugar Industry Authority

Download speaking notes for Minister Boolell and Ambassador Heaven.

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For further information, please contact:

Giles Keane
Tel: +32 (0) 473 894 328
E-mail: gkeane@hillandknowlton.com

Mari Helen Skarholt
Tel: +32 (0) 479 980 770
E-mail: mhskarho@hillandknowlton.com