Pacific Pintail entering
Panama Canal

CARICOM Statements on nuclear transport of 17 December 2001
and 8 March 2002:

View CARICOM's Latest statement (7 May, 2002) here.

1. Following is the pertinent text from the Joint Communique issued on the Conclusion of the Eight CARICOM-Japan Consultation in St. John's, Antigua, 4- 5 March 2002

With respect to the Transportation of radioactive material, the Japanese side elaborated on the country's energy needs, policy surrounding the transport and various considerations that guides its operation. They explained the safety and emergency response measures in place to reduce the potential risk involved in sea transport. Looking towards the future, the Japanese delegation also offered updates on the status of the spent fuel reprocessing plant in Japan. They underscored that they are keenly aware of the interests and concerns of the CARICOM States and they expressed hope to engage in constructive dialogue.

The CARICOM side emphasized that it respected Japan's right to choose an energy source suitable for its needs, but reiterated its concern that the transportation of such materials could have a devastating impact on the integrity of the fragile ecosystems of the Caribbean Sea in the event of an accident. In this regard, the CARICOM delegation emphasised the importance of the Caribbean Sea to the livelihood and well-being of the peoples of the region, especially in the tourism and fishing industries. Reference was made to the most recent statement by the CARICOM Heads of Government in December 2001 in which they reiterated their implacable opposition to this practice especially in relation to the new global challenges to peace and security. In the interim, CARICOM implored Japan to seek alternative solutions to the problem.
Full communique

2. Text of the 17 December 2001 statement on nuclear transport issued by the CARICOM Heads of Government.

Press release 154/2001
(17 December 2001)
STATEMENT ON THE TRANSHIPMENT OF NUCLEAR WASTE
THROUGH CARIBBEAN WATERS

CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Nassau, The Bahamas, on 8- 9 December 2001 with regional and international stakeholders of the regional tourism industry learnt with consternation that yet another shipment of nuclear waste is currently being shipped through Caribbean waters via the Panama Canal.

CARICOM Heads of Government, who have repeatedly expressed their implacable opposition to this practice, were joined by all other participating stakeholders in the regional tourism industry in condemning this practice, which can constitute one of the most serious threats to the safety and security of the Region in general, and to the tourism industry, in particular.

CARICOM Heads of Government were particularly concerned that at a time when security issues are foremost among the preoccupations of the entire international community, the Caribbean region should be exposed to the serious risk of having hazardous nuclear waste transhipped through its waters.

CARICOM Heads of Government reiterated their implacable opposition to, and condemnation of this practice and called on all involved to desist from perpetrating this repeated threat to the lives of the peoples of the Caribbean Region.
Full News Release