Trinidad & Tobago apologizes to the people of Dominica, for opposing Dominica’s request for OAS fee waiver

Trinidad’s Foreign Minister Dennis Moses and OAS permanent representative Anthony Phillips-Spencer

​The Government of Trinidad and Tobago has apologized to the people of Dominica for the position it took at a recent meeting of the Organization of American States (OAS), when Dominica’s Ambassador asked for a waiver of fees as the country rebuilds its economy post Hurricane Maria. Trinidad & Tobago appeared to have objected to Dominica’s request. In a release on March 29, 2018, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of Trinidad & Tobago clearly stated that its position was not aligned with its actions, policy or orientation towards Dominica.
 
It also said an investigation into the matter is underway. “In an unqualified way, the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs regrets the misrepresentation of Trinidad & Tobago’s position, which was offered by a public official of Trinidad & Tobago during a meeting of the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States (OAS) on March 23, 2018, regarding Dominica’s request for a waiver of its financial contribution to that Organization for the years 2018 to 2019,” the release stated.
 
“Currently, an investigation into the briefing arrangements of the public official and the circumstances involved in the discussion at the OAS is underway. Shortly a report, as requested, would be made available to the Honourable Prime Minister.” During the meeting, Dominica asked for a waiver of fees for 2018 and 2019, in light of the devastation caused by Maria last September. But Trinidad’s permanent representative to the OAS Anthony Phillips-Spencer objected, opting instead “for the deferral of payments of contributions, and where possible, the implementation of a payment plan subject to annual review.”
 
He said the position was “consistent with the position adopted in other multilateral fora in the hemisphere.” But the release on Thursday said Trinidad & Tobago’s solidarity to Dominica “is without question.”