By Dionne Best
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Barbados has signed the protocol to become a member of the Advisory Centre on the WTO Law (ACWL). The signing took place on December 17.
The ACWL is based in Geneva, Switzerland, and advises its developing country members and least-developed countries on all issues relating to World Trade Organization (WTO) law. It provides free legal advice and training on WTO law and provides support in WTO dispute settlement proceedings at discounted rates. Training opportunities and internships are also provided by the ACWL, and now that Barbados has become a member, its legal fraternity can benefit.
The Norwegian government has agreed to fund the membership of the ACWL of some developing countries, including Barbados, in an effort to support and encourage them to better understand the WTO’s dispute settlement system, develop capacity building on trade law, and provide legal support.
Ambassador of Barbados to the United Nations, World Trade Organization and other International Organizations in Geneva, Matthew Wilson, applauded the ACWL for its outstanding reputation, and stated that Barbados is proud to be a member.
“It was important that Barbados took this step to become a member as it shows our commitment to the multilateral trading system, and our commitment to technical assistance and capacity building. I thank the ACWL and the government of Norway for supporting small states to be able to take this step,” Wilson said.
Executive director of the ACWL, Niall Meagher, congratulated Barbados on becoming a member of the ACWL and expressed gratitude to Ambassador Wilson for ensuring that the signing of the protocol came to fruition.
“I look forward to working with you and your colleagues to enable us to fulfil our mandate to increase your mission’s capacity in WTO law over the coming year,” Meagher stated.
The next step will be for Barbados to ratify the Agreement, but in the interim, the country can enjoy all of the benefits of membership, such as having young Barbadian lawyers intern at the ACWL, as well as receiving technical assistance and capacity building support on legal aspects of trade law, including WTO law.
