From Jamaica Observer

GOSIER, Guadeloupe (CMC) — Several projects from the Caribbean are being discussed at the Interreg Caraïbes programme Selection Committee, which ends on Wednesday.The Interreg Caraïbes programme is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) and supports the sustainable economic development of the Caribbean region.

According to a statement, projects from Anguilla, Dominica, Haiti, Jamaica, St Lucia, Trinidad and Tobago, along with several others from other Caribbean countries have been shortlisted.

The Guadeloupe region is the managing authority for this fund, which is intended to support projects involving stakeholders from the French “outermost regions” (RUP) of Guadeloupe, French Guiana, Martinique and Saint Martin, in partnership with organisations in the Caribbean area representing nearly 40 countries and overseas territories (OCTs).

Initially, 114 projects were submitted as part of the call for expressions of interest (MAI) in November last year, but the statement noted that 30 obtained a favourable initial evaluation, of which 24 have made it to the priority lists.

Some of the projects that are being presented to the committee on Wednesday include the harmonisation of legal rules for maritime transport in the Caribbean, the development of medical cooperation between the French West Indies and the Caribbean, the development of commercial relations between Martinique, Guadeloupe, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

In addition, improving access to care for Caribbean patients in Martinique and the creation of a network of forts and fortifications of the Caribbean for a multi-destination tourist offering are also being considered by the committee.

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