opinion

Trinidad & Tobago, St. Vincent, St. Lucia and Grenada: the first to go?
by Clarence E. Pilgrim

The Caribbean Sea, which covers over 2.7 million square miles, with its mild tropical climate, is a sunshine heaven for many who yearn to share in its glory along the many sandy shores, mangrove trees and other diverse aqua-life which are coastal inhabitants along its many open and hidden shorelines.

The life-bearing waters which have been a part of many historical events within the region may yet bear witness to another. With a combined population of over 1.6 million people and a size of around 2,501 square miles, four CARICOM (Caribbean Community) states are contemplating taking a dive into the sea of political union. If this is the case then it is indeed a significant step towards the overall regional goal, which began with the treaty of Chagaramus in 1973, and has led towards what is hoped will be the eventual establishment in full of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME). So far this positive thrust towards what many see as an inevitable development has been full of many challenges. But if it is implemented in the correct manner the Caribbean Community will have a united say within the global environment. The CSME will be effected by nine major amendments to the Treaty of Chagaramus, called protocols. These protocols address (1) Organs and institutions of the community; (2) Rights of establishment, services and capital; (3) Industrial policy; (4) Trade; (5) Agriculture; (6) Transportation; (7) Disadvantaged countries, regions and sectors; (8) Competition, consumer protection, dumping and subsidies; and (9) Dispute settlement (CCJ).

It is important to understand that the protocols of the CSME will create a single market for the free movement of goods, services and people and a single economic space through the harmonization of legislation, tax regimes, exchange rates, policies, etc. The move being contemplated by the four southern Caribbean states can be seen as reflective of the commitment the leadership of these countries have towards fulfilling the CARICOM dream. In an earlier commentary I opined in the following manner: "The ability to handle change is one of the most important skills a leader can have. As member countries within CARICOM, our leadership must display charismatic and visionary attributes, which is necessary for us at a time that we need to educate our workforce to be more diverse, technologically equipped with a greater skills-mix."

Careful planning and preparation is indeed the key to success. Understanding the nature of existing concerns will help to define what exists, determine ways to eliminate the differences and apply goals which are time relevant and results --- oriented particularly in the present global dispensation where the tides of industry and commerce, touches the shores of the entire global village."

With a study being undertaken to examine the possibility of the political union, it is quite clear that collectively, the Caribbean Community cannot continue with business as usual.

There are many obstacles to be overcome. It is clearly important for any political union to have a chance for success, there must be specific areas in which all parties have agreed to cooperate and develop through innovation, modernization, diversification and the creation of quality in business. There must be constant dialogue and exchanges of experience(s) among all stake holders within the social and economic environment.

Political continuity is desirable but throughout CARICOM there appears to be a wind of change which has led to new governments being sworn-in. They include the defeat of Dr. Kenny Anthony's St. Lucia Labor Party (SLP) to the United Workers Party (UWP) now being led by Stephenson King; In Barbados David Thompson removed veteran politician Owen Arthur; Portia Simpson Miller's People's National Party (PNP) lost to Bruce Golding; and Said Musa was overtaken by Dean Barrow in Belize.

One can only hope that with the wind of change blowing against some political parties, it does not also consume and end the vision of "one Caribbean state."

Let us hope that with steadfast leadership we are able to follow the start of the brave "four" and actively and positively move the process along to its natural and logical conclusion.

The author is an educator and senior civil servant in Antigua & Barbuda