KINGSTON, Jamaica — Opposition spokesman on Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Christopher Tufton, says that Jamaica’s best bet in dealing its trading issues with CARICOM, would be a temporary withdrawal from the regional community.

“Given the economic challenges currently faced by our country, the time is right for the Jamaican government to have discussions with the relevant stakeholders to examine the implications of a temporary withdrawal from CARICOM, citing adverse balance of payment issues,” Dr Tufton told the weekly meeting of the Lions Club of Kingston at the Institute of Chartered Accounts, New Kingston, Wednesday.

Dr Tufton explained that a temporary withdrawal is allowed under Section 43 of the Treaty of Chaguaramas. He said it would increase revenue flows to the government through increased border taxes, and provide time and space for local producers and government policy reforms to improve business efficiency and competitiveness.

“This period would also be sufficient for a comprehensive examination to be done, to determine if Jamaica should leave CARICOM in its current form and, instead, seek functional collaboration on matters of strategic, regional and international importance,” the former cabinet minister said.

However, he urged that Jamaica should not approach the issue with any ill feelings or animosity to Trinidad and Tobago, or CARICOM in general, “but Jamaica has to do what is best for Jamaicans”.