The opposition is calling on the Andrew Holness-led administration to break its silence on Jamaica’s non-participation in the historic agreement between Caricom and the Africa Exim Bank (Afreximbank).

Under the agreement 1.5 billion US dollars is being made accessible to member states of Caricom, who signed and ratified a partnership agreement, with the African Export and Import Bank, at the Africa Caribbean Trade and Invest Forum (ACTIF) 2022, held in Barbados, in September.

Opposition Spokesperson on Industry, Investment and Global Logistics, Anthony Hylton says, Jamaica’s representation to what was billed as a high-level ministerial forum, and the lack of information from the government concerning its position on the main outcome of the forum – the partnership agreement – is a cause for concern .

Mr. Hylton explains that “the recent announcement by the Afreximbank board, demonstrates a renewed and tangible commitment on the part of the member countries to meaningfully engage with Caricom, to overcome centuries-old impediments to trade and investments between both groups.

The spokesman added that “for Jamaica to not be fully involved in the process at the highest level, with a clear position on its participation in this historical development, is befuddling to a generation of Pan-Africanists, who view the opportunity to trade with, and invest in Africa, and vice versa, as underwriting the long-term future of both Africa and the Caribbean.”

Mr. Hylton is calling on the government to break its “deafening silence” on this very critical development in Africa-Caricom affairs.

The spokesman, in welcoming the development with the Afreximbank in making available the funds to participating Caricom members, is further inquiring as to the role of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), in collaborating with the Afreximbank and in facilitating its successful entrance and operation in the Caricom Single Market & Economy (CSME).

Mr. Hylton wants the government to state a timeline for Jamaica’s accession to the partnership agreement, or to explain the reasons for its apparent reluctance to do so.