NAO Refutes Claims of Late Notification to CSME Consultation

In a recent episode of the Voice of the People Program, hosted by Franz DeFreitas, a claim was made regarding the alleged late notification to the Opposition Leader, Hon. Jamale Pringle, about a meeting with the CARICOM Delegation.

The Office of the National Authorising Officer (ONAO) within the Ministry of Trade has officially refuted these claims, stating that initial contact was made with the Opposition Leader on January 30, 2025.

This communication was in response to a request from the CARICOM Delegation to engage with the Opposition during their upcoming mission. The delegation arrived in Antigua on February 4, 2025.

According to the ONAO, after the Opposition Leader indicated he was overseas, he directed CSME Focal Point, Ms. Barbara Williams, to coordinate with Hon. Sherfield Bowen, the Deputy Leader of the United Progressive Party, to arrange a meeting with the Opposition.

The ONAO facilitated multiple requests from the Deputy Leader to adjust the meeting’s date and time to ensure the gathering could take place.

As a result, the meeting was successfully convened on February 6, 2025, at 9 AM at the Charlesworth Samuel Building, Independence Drive.

The ONAO emphasized that the claims suggesting late notification were unfounded, as they had made prior arrangements well in advance of the meeting.

The consultation aimed to engage various stakeholders on the implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), scheduled to take place from February 5 to 7, 2025.

The ONAO expressed gratitude for the opportunity provided by the meeting, which facilitated an exchange of valuable information between the CARICOM Delegation and the attendees.

For more updates and information, stay tuned to local news outlets and community programs.