BRUSSELS–At least three Caribbean Community (Caricom) countries are in arrears to the African Caribbean and Pacific (ACP) group resulting in their nationals no longer finding employment within the ACP Secretariat, according to informed sources here.The sources said in the case of one of the countries, the arrears date back to more than three years.
The sources said the countries, all members of the sub-regional Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), owe US$108,578, US$35,942 and US$30,963 respectively.According to a statement presented to the 98th Session of the ACP Council of Ministers Meeting, these countries have been barred from being elected to the presidency of the Council of Ministers, or the chairmanship of the Committee of Ambassadors or any of its organs.
In addition, they will also not be allowed to speak at any meeting of the ACP and they shall "not benefit from the financial assistance accorded to member states for participation by the representatives in meetings organised by the Secretariat."Additionally, nationals from these countries will no longer be hired by the Secretariat," the statement noted.
President of the Council of ACP Ministers, prime minister Tuilaepa Fatialofa Lupesoliai Saillele Malielegaoi had earlier informed the meeting while 32 members of the 79-member grouping had paid their full contributions for the 2013 budget, as many as 28 have not made any payment."As at the middle of November, contributions are in arrears by an amount of Euro 1.3 million in outstanding payments from members.
CMC