|
|
|
|
|||
|
| |||
opinion
Also in this section:
Caribbean under siege from US policies Bananas, passports, gaming --- What next, Mr. President? by Clarence E. Pilgrim I have often heard the words “with great power comes great responsibility.” Yet the policies of President Bush’s administration seem to be endangering many long-standing friendships, and force one to wonder about the logic, consistency and credibility of certain actions. In the global context, there are a number of areas where the US can depend on cooperation from countries in the Caribbean Basin. There is a shared opinion that there is a need to send a strong and clear message about international terrorism and its dangers. This of course, must be done within certain defined guidelines, to eliminate or minimize the loss of innocent life and the destruction of property. Other areas where mutual understanding leads to an intersection of vital interests includes the war against drugs and crime. In this and many other endeavors the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has traditionally maintained a very close relationship with the “big brother” to the north. It therefore becomes increasingly disappointing to view the various positions taken by the United States, which supports actions that would and do damage the fragile economies of micro-states within the same life-giving Caribbean waters shared by all! The important economic activities involving and represented by the important three --- bananas, passports and gaming, have all been unfortunate pawns of sacrifice in an economic chess match, where the endgame is one of checkmate, against states within the Caribbean community. Let us take a brief look at each one. The Caribbean states, particularly the Windward Islands banana Industry is practically earmarked for certain death (if it hasn’t for all practical reasons died already). This is because of the US government’s support for the interest of big business in the form of multinational corporations with significant lobbying power in the right circles. Multinational firms operating with large resources of cheap labor, material and better technology are able to outstrip and dominate market trends. In other words, small island economies cannot match the volume of resources these entities are able to invest! The European Union had given preferential consideration (to include a number of Caribbean states) since the 1970s. This was challenged in the international forum of the World Trade Organization and the devastating result will be that the Caribbean banana industry will not survive. How on earth can small farmers compete with enormous private corporations? If there are no fair trade initiatives then surly implications for the small vulnerable economies are frightening, to say the least. And again the issue of passports for US citizens traveling to Caribbean Community states has passed our borders, stamped with an alarming deadline. This requirement will certainly affect Caribbean nations in particular the potency of the travel dollar, as would-be visitors change their destinations rather than going through the red tape and hassle of acquiring a passport. To place the effect of this in context, there are many US citizens, who for what ever reason do not have a passport, but use some other document of identification to gain entry into a number of Caribbean ports. This is quite a convenient understanding. But under the new US requirements cruise passengers have been given until June 2009, and airline passengers January 2007, to get into compliance by acquiring a passport. From Bahamas to Barbados, many destinations for US tourists will be impacted. With a strong dependence on tourist dollars, particularly in economies which have not evolved to the extent where strong and sustainable diversification into other areas is developed, then the citizens of these nations will suffer from the inability to receive an income from this sector. Quite frankly, this is indeed the correct approach if the intention is to create instability in friendly nations, and drive governments to seek relief from other, more willing sources. The saga continues while, once again, the lone surviving world super power has sounded the death knell for online gaming for Caribbean states and beyond, which involves the lucrative market of its citizens. According to the CARICOM assistant secretary-general the region views with concern the US response to the WTO rulings and recommendations in the Internet gaming case involving Antigua and Barbuda. He indicated that the issue should be regarded as a regional one. I agree with the Assistant Secretary-general and for the record, although I am not personally into gaming, I am disappointed at this slap in the face of the WTO. This is a clear case of the United States, not being happy with the ruling against its actions, simply brushing it aside. In a world with a large number of estranged friends, foreign policy advisors should have better advised President Bush, that this was a unique opportunity, to show the world an example of fair play and justice. What it unfortunately shows the world today is that might makes right. By not only ignoring a legitimate ruling from a body with established rules of procedure, but to then proceed to cement this dubious international policy by passing legislation to entrench its position is simply disappointing and unacceptable. The recommendations of the WTO as a dispute settlement mechanism on matters of considerable economic importance to even its smallest members like Antigua & Barbuda is severely undermined when economically strong members “pick and choose” what they decide to ignore or abide by. This one case alone involving Antigua & Barbuda might just be the pin which burst this multilateral bubble of trust. What is really the driving force of US policies towards CARICOM? Does it rely on the need to create a world agenda solely based on the “rolling waves” of a myopic internal political staircase? Or is there a higher purpose which should fuel thoughts of altruism and utilitarianism? The reality is that every nation has the right to pursue its own self interest and to do this with maximum effect. This may be done with or without regard for existing or future friends. But in an increasingly dangerous world, one would have thought that shooting one’s colleagues with friendly fire is just as bad as shooting them intentionally. I have two pieces of advice. First to the foreign policy formulators within CARICOM: Let us get realistic and understand that we have to be proactive, wipe away the tears of disappointment, go to Washington DC and lobby for what we want. This does not simply mean a dinner, smile and handshake. It means negotiating into the night, to create an understanding of our strategic importance, then building the bridge between US self interest and CARICOM’s agenda. Because of size, the Caribbean is already at a disadvantage. Let us not further lessen our odds against success by not preparing ourselves. This must be done well in advance, to meet oncoming international challenges. My second piece of friendly advice goes to the present US administration: You should always remember who your friends are!
The author is an educator and civil servant in Antigua & Barbuda Civil and a supporter of the Caribbean Integration Movement
Also in this section:
News |
Business
|
Editorial
|
Opinion
|
Letters
|
Arts
|
Review
|
Community
|
Fun
|
Travel
Make the
Executive Hotel your headquarters in Panama City --- http://ww.executivehotel-panama.com Find the boat of your dreams through Evermarine --- http://www.evermarine.com |
||||||||||
|
