The Hague, 28 November 2001

A regional seminar to promote universal adherence to the Chemical Weapons Convention (CWC) in Latin America and the Caribbean is being held in St. Ann, Jamaica, from 26 to 28 November 2001. The seminar is co-hosted by the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and the Ministry of Health of Jamaica, which is the National Authority for the implementation of the Convention in Jamaica. As a result of contributions made voluntarily by the Governments of Canada and the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, the seminar was able proceed as planned, in spite of the OPCW’s current financial difficulties. Universality of the Convention in all regions of the world remains one of the top priorities of the OPCW Member States in realising the OPCW’s aim of eliminating chemical weapons forever.

The seminar has brought together nearly 40 participants from 14 countries, including seven States not party to the Convention (Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominican Republic, Guatemala, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Vincent and the Grenadines). Also in attendance were representatives from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat in Georgetown, Guyana and from the UN Regional Centre for Disarmament and Development in Latin America and the Caribbean in Lima, Peru. In addition, presentations were made by speakers from Argentina, Canada, Jamaica, Panama, and the United Kingdom.

The Mayor of St Ann, His Worship Councillor Mr Charles A. Taitt, gave the welcoming speech at the seminar, which was officially opened by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Health, Mrs E. Grace Allen-Young, and a representative of the OPCW on behalf of the Director-General. Participants heard presentations on the status of implementation of the Convention, as well as national and regional perspectives, the impact of the CWC on trade in chemicals, and the benefits offered to States that take the step of joining the OPCW.

The Associate Programme of the OPCW, the recently established Legal Network for Latin America and the Caribbean, and legislative implementation and enforcement are also features of the seminar programme. Professor Barry Kellman, Director of the International Weapons Control Centre, De Paul University College of Law in the United States of America, delivered a keynote address on the anti-terrorism aspects of the Convention.

The goal of a chemical weapons-free zone for Latin America and the Caribbean is being pursued by the OPCW through this event, with the support and cooperation of a number of regional organisations. Participants from States not party to the CWC indicated their commitment to speed up the process of ratification of, or accession to, the Convention.