LM Report 1999

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SAINT LUCIA

Saint Lucia, a member of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), signed the Mine Ban Treaty on 3 December 1997. Saint Lucia has not ratified yet, but intends to complete the ratification process in early 1999.^[1] Upon signing, Saint Lucia stated that the “English-speaking Caribbean countries have no landmines,” therefore “the signing of the Treaty is a pre-emptive action to ensure that the region remains landmine-free.”^[2] Saint Lucia has never produced, transferred, used or stockpiled antipersonnel landmines. It is not mine-affected.

Saint Lucia first announced its support for a total and immediate mine ban during a CARICOM ministerial meeting in May 1996, and has been one of the leading Caribbean promoters of a ban. Saint Lucia participated in the Ottawa Process by endorsing the Brussels declaration, voting in favor of key 1996, 1997 and 1998 UN General Assembly resolutions, and supporting key supporting statements and resolutions by the OAS General Assembly and CARICOM. Saint Lucia was a co-sponsor of the 1996 OAS resolution declaring the Western Hemisphere as an Antipersonnel Landmine-Free Zone. Saint Lucia’s Ambassador Edmunds was a driving force behind this resolution.

^[1]Unless cited otherwise, all statements are taken from the response to the Landmine Monitor questionnaire completed by the office of the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Trade, St. Lucia, dated 1 February 1999.

^[2]Statement made by Ambassador Sonia Johnny, signing the Mine Ban Treaty on behalf of St. Lucia, Ottawa, Canada, 3 December 1997.

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