Dear Editor,
More than ever before people within member countries are openly expressing their views regarding their gross dissatisfaction with Caricom. Countless issues have been raised regarding the inequities and actions which threaten the process of Caribbean integration.
However, the forums whereby these issues are successfully resolved remain obscure to say the least. As these issues continue to rise with no resolution in sight, many are now calling for the dissolution of Caricom. Yet, this is not the answer to our problems, and history should have taught us that it was the condition of our respective countries which led us to form the Federation initially, and despite its failure, we have once again been driven to the point where it was necessary to form Caricom.
Presently, Caricom is ineffective, but it can work and it is essential that we make it work. Instead of applying pressure towards a dissolution, let us apply pressure towards fixing it. For Caribbean integration to be truly successful, it must begin at the level of the people. There exists a 'we vs them' mentality regarding our sister nations and this adds to the problem. We need to get to the point where we truly understand that our economic survival -- dare I even hope for our stability -- in the global market is desperately based on our integration as a region.
Camille Reid
daintylittlelady@yahoo.com
More than ever before people within member countries are openly expressing their views regarding their gross dissatisfaction with Caricom. Countless issues have been raised regarding the inequities and actions which threaten the process of Caribbean integration.
However, the forums whereby these issues are successfully resolved remain obscure to say the least. As these issues continue to rise with no resolution in sight, many are now calling for the dissolution of Caricom. Yet, this is not the answer to our problems, and history should have taught us that it was the condition of our respective countries which led us to form the Federation initially, and despite its failure, we have once again been driven to the point where it was necessary to form Caricom.
Presently, Caricom is ineffective, but it can work and it is essential that we make it work. Instead of applying pressure towards a dissolution, let us apply pressure towards fixing it. For Caribbean integration to be truly successful, it must begin at the level of the people. There exists a 'we vs them' mentality regarding our sister nations and this adds to the problem. We need to get to the point where we truly understand that our economic survival -- dare I even hope for our stability -- in the global market is desperately based on our integration as a region.
Camille Reid
daintylittlelady@yahoo.com