Dear Editor,
I am proudly and unashamedly a regionalist. I see it as a practical answer to many of our individual problems as nations, as well as a coming together of family as it were. However, I am also a realist, so I am forced to ask the questions: Is Caricom fit for the purposes intended and is it serious?
We have in the Caribbean a plethora of natural resources, from oil to diamonds, and yet, instead of our regional manufacturing heads coming together to make the best deals for their respective nations’ manufacturing base, and regional manufacturing base we choose to go it alone.
Instead of Trinidadian oil being used to benefit regional manufacturing — like in the setting up of an aluminium plant — they instead use shady trade practices that leave everyone paying more for oil.
Instead of the free movement of people for work and leisure, we have immigration authorities turning individuals back for no real reason apart from national stigma.
Instead of regional industrialists pondering how to better link the resources of the group so we can all benefit, we hear talk of boycotts.
If Jamaican manufacturers were serious, they could purchase companies in varying fields that are really all interlinked so that profits and manufacturing knowledge may return to Jamaica.
Instead of actively trying to fix the hot mess that is Haiti, we leave it to outside powers with no idea of the history or culture of Haiti; then we act surprised when the mess remains.
However, the biggest mark against Caricom is Cuba. For 40 years Caricom has been in existence and for 40 years they have called for an end to the unjust United States trade embargo against Cuba. However, it must have all been lip service, as instead of serious integration with Cuba, we only rely on it for the odd scholarship and nurses (both of which are appreciated).
However a nation that is historically similar to us and that close should have been integrated from before. We could have used their discipline and shown them (the leadership) that democracy isn’t to be feared.
Unfortunately we have blown that opportunity and I fear we may never get it back. Caricom as it is now is useless. Too many needless arguments, too much envy/stigma, and far too much doublespeak from politicians.
If regional unity is to be found in any form then Caricom must be disbanded and a new, well-thought-out regional entity take its place. If not, we will continue to be used as chess pieces used by great powers as they aim for regional supremacy.
Alexander Scott
alexanderwj.scott@gmail.com
I am proudly and unashamedly a regionalist. I see it as a practical answer to many of our individual problems as nations, as well as a coming together of family as it were. However, I am also a realist, so I am forced to ask the questions: Is Caricom fit for the purposes intended and is it serious?
We have in the Caribbean a plethora of natural resources, from oil to diamonds, and yet, instead of our regional manufacturing heads coming together to make the best deals for their respective nations’ manufacturing base, and regional manufacturing base we choose to go it alone.
Instead of Trinidadian oil being used to benefit regional manufacturing — like in the setting up of an aluminium plant — they instead use shady trade practices that leave everyone paying more for oil.
Instead of the free movement of people for work and leisure, we have immigration authorities turning individuals back for no real reason apart from national stigma.
Instead of regional industrialists pondering how to better link the resources of the group so we can all benefit, we hear talk of boycotts.
If Jamaican manufacturers were serious, they could purchase companies in varying fields that are really all interlinked so that profits and manufacturing knowledge may return to Jamaica.
Instead of actively trying to fix the hot mess that is Haiti, we leave it to outside powers with no idea of the history or culture of Haiti; then we act surprised when the mess remains.
However, the biggest mark against Caricom is Cuba. For 40 years Caricom has been in existence and for 40 years they have called for an end to the unjust United States trade embargo against Cuba. However, it must have all been lip service, as instead of serious integration with Cuba, we only rely on it for the odd scholarship and nurses (both of which are appreciated).
However a nation that is historically similar to us and that close should have been integrated from before. We could have used their discipline and shown them (the leadership) that democracy isn’t to be feared.
Unfortunately we have blown that opportunity and I fear we may never get it back. Caricom as it is now is useless. Too many needless arguments, too much envy/stigma, and far too much doublespeak from politicians.
If regional unity is to be found in any form then Caricom must be disbanded and a new, well-thought-out regional entity take its place. If not, we will continue to be used as chess pieces used by great powers as they aim for regional supremacy.
Alexander Scott
alexanderwj.scott@gmail.com