The retirement of prime ministers P J Patterson and Owen Arthur deprived the region of its elder statesmen and visionaries. The candidates to assume leadership of the region are all encumbered.
Prime Minister Patrick Manning is preoccupied with Trinidad’s transition to developed country status amidst crime and racial politics. President Bharrat Jagdeo is bogged down in the longest economic depression any country has ever endured. Prime Minister Bruce Golding is undoubtedly capable but does not have the time or inclination to dissipate energy in endeavours which have neither consensus nor timeline. Mr Gonzalves has the ambition and the intellect but cannot resist the opportunism of playing to the audience immediately in front of him.
Source: Jamaican Observer
The CARICOM Summit is currently in progress in Antigua, of interest to people in the region is whether any practical solutions will be discovered to ensure our region’s competitiveness in the new world economy. It is apparent to those who have eyes that member states of CARICOM will increasingly be marginalized if our leaders continue on its rudderless course. The outcome of today’s session at the summit about tourism will be of great interest given our region’s reliance on tourism.
There is the view that to take a snapshot of the current readiness our region to embrace CARICOM would toss-up that some countries are more comfortable with the concept than others. In the BU household we have used a simple analogy to describe the challenge for CARICOM success. There must be a courtship period to most relationships which acts as a precursor to a lasting union. During the courtship period bonding may or may not take place. After 35 years of courtship of the integration concept has any real bonding taken place, or are we prepared to reject the concept of CARICOM as currently configured?
The reality of the new world economy calls for small countries to pool resources (at times) to ensure a maximum result. The existence of NAFTA, EU and ALBA maybe instructive for Caribbean countries. We have every confidence that the framers of the model which we have for regional integration would have researched the evolution of the forementioned common markets to capture learning. The challenge for CARICOM maybe rooted in our small size and perceived diversity. Another factor maybe our disparate economies which straddle extreme levels of performance. Perhaps we should not forget deep seated insularities which still exist between islands in the North and the South.
We should note when discussing CARICOM the loyalty which has developed within the sub-region of the Eastern Caribbean territories. While the union of the OECS is a laudable achievement, the limited resources which are posited in this region restricts significant benefits which can be achieved. Recent public comment by Prime Minister Ralph Gonzales suggests that there is an attitude of swagger within the OECS grouping which may not be conducive to seamless integration to CARICOM.
The ongoing summit may prove the cynics wrong on whether we will see a fully functioning CARICOM, CSME and all in our lifetime. Some may argue that Barbados is better off assuming a Nationalist approach. In BU we have a feeling that we will see business as usual.
Is it true that our people have failed education?
Inkwell we have heard that view expressed before, do you agree that no system which man uses to govern can be perfect? If you agree with that line of reason then maybe we can agree that freedom for every individual to choose is a noble ideal to which we have to protect. The opposite goes against the grain of the law of natural justice.
Is CSME dying, or should I say, Will CSME be fully implemented. Barbados unable to to give 100% backing. Guyana ain’t willing to implement it yet. Nuff talk, no action! Same behaviour by Caricom leaders, only new actors.
Inkwell
I cannot recall having said that in our democracy a government should “rule” or “govern” without reference to those who elected them.
However, I will at this “juncture” give you the benefit of any doubt. Please refer me to the article and its date. I will check it out and “definitely” respond.
Over to you!
To the blogger, Negroman
Our very many thanks to you for the solid encouragement that you have given to us, to continue pressing on. It is very emboldening that you have also expressed a liking for some of our policies and very revelatory that you so think that serious thought should be given to our “new and innovative programme”, and that there is a need for what you termed, “a third party” in Barbados.
Of course, we too have been reading your blogs and we have been having a great appreciation for the central themes running through them – like the need to truly take serious political action now to secure our country against these modern day settler people.
Furthermore, we scientifically know that – in addition to the four parties that now exist in Barbados, Negroman, there is room for at least another new, serious, people-centered developmentalist party in Barbados – and one that will really act assidiously and untiringly – to make sure that this social, political, material and financial system is fundamentally changed – and for the better – to reflect, at last in this dear country, the genuinely expressed imageries, aspirations and outlooks of the masses and middle classes of people of Barbados, for a far more egalitarian and just Barbados.
Also, we truly know it, sir, that another people’s progessive party – BUT NOT one that has reverberations of that old rubric – is required to help really fight against these old, ramshackled and failed DLP and BLP parliamentary groups and their extensions, if we are to ultimately realize better for ourselves – the masses and middle classes – and for the whole of Barbados.
Therefore, it is against that backdrop that you can, of course, email us at smfdpdc@yahoo.com, for further information about our affairs, and so that we can see if there is a distinct possibility that you and our party can come together and collaborate on the fact of what has to be done to make our country better, politically and otherwise. For, this time is the right time to act greatermore to save our country from being further despolied and degradated by those elite few and their supporters whose interests are so narrow and that are so fueled by such destructive greed and avarice, and to save it for this present generation and for future ones.
PDC
It was over at BFP, Yardbroom. In response to the blog dated Feb 13, 2008 and titled “Will The Opposition BLP Publish The Throne Speech Before The Barbados Government?” You said
“What is not a good idea is to have Government by the internet eg the Government reacting to demands from us “bloggers.” I will not expect that unless it is a major issue of great concern, we must be reasonable people and allow the DLP Government to govern, that is what they were elected to do.”
To which I replied:
Is this the same Yardbroom who has oft pontificated on the necessity for transparency in government and open communications with the electorate?
With the change in government seems to have come a change in tune.
While I agree with him that the non publication of the throne speech is not a matter for great concern as some others see, I am alarmed that he is perpetuating the suggestion that the Government should not react to the demands of the people but that it should “govern”
I would have thought that Yardbroom would espouse the concept that the members of Parliament who collectively form the Government are “representatives” of the people who elected them to do just that, represent, not “rule” or “govern”. Our lack of insistence on the proper role of the Parliamentarian is what led the last administration to the arrogance that was one of the main reasons for its removal. ”
There was no response from you.
David,
I trust that this clarifies my position somewhat.
Inkwell,
“That is the Africa in us”
Well the Africa must be in Europeans too.
Because the same way we feel about CSME, many if not most Europeans feel about European Union.
The idea looks good on paper but no one wants to give up their individuality.
To the blogger, R O B O T
You asked, ” can your policies work?”
Yes, R O B O T, in visualizing and scientificizing them we can see that they CAN and WILL work practically for the benefit of the upliftment of the lives of the vast majority of the masses and middle classes of people of this country, and greater more ONCE the politically and ideologically conscious CORE of the masses and middle classes can come together in whatever fora in Barbados, and resolve to their being put in place as soon as possible, again, for the benefit of the transformation of lives of the vast majority of masses and middle classes of this country – two segments of people that for eons have been doing the hardest work possible in this country, but who have been getting the least returns for what they have been doing.
It is that situation that is so grossly intolerable and abominable that if many citizens continue to follow the DLP and the BLP and their utterances, manipulations and divisions, we as a whole in this country WILL NOT be able to ELIMINATE most of these gross divisions and inequalities that inform part of the basis why these segments of people are so grossly politically exploited and marginalised in this country, precisely because their ( DLP and BLP’s) goal is to VICIOUSLY HELP MAKE SURE that the masses, to a greater extent, and the middle classes, to a lesser extent, are to remain entrenched in these deplorable circumstances in Barbados for as long as possible.
Thus, the leaderships of these parties, expressly or implicitly, advocate those principles – in the school of FUNCTIONALISM in Western political sociology – that openly support such divisions and inequalities in a western hemispheric society like Barbados, because they – the leaderships and those principles – STRONGLY IMPORT that they are necessary to have in order for “society” to be stable and to properly function; that this LONG ESTABLISHED CHRONIC DEPENDENCE of the masses and middle classes vis-a-vis their roles and functions, on the elite, to a greater extent, and on the state, to a lesser extent, is a necessary enabling ingredient/factor in the harmonious, reproductive and regenerative development of the Barbadian society. Well, of course, we HAVE NEVER, DO NOT, DO NOT INTEND TO, and WILL NEVER SUBSCRIBE to such philosophies. That is why we categorically reject the most of the politics and ideology of the DLP and BLP parliamentary groups!!
R O B O T, in our party we dont subscribe to any anti-democratic means of getting citizens to know and understand our philosophies and policies. So, therefore as a party that believes in the right democratic and humanistic values and principles – whenever we become at the helm of government in this country, we shall NOT be resorting to any of the subversive and anti-citizen methods you have so identified to get citizens to know, understand and accept our philosophies and principles.
Yes, what you have written is perfectly true, that many citizens will fight us on our policies. And, yes, all like now we are being fought on them, and just like how we are fighting against the most of the politics, ideology and practices of the DLP and BLP, we expect that we will continue to be fought against too. It is real politics that we are involved in in this country, R O B O T!!
Also, we DONT REASONABLY expect that in the process of the people of Barbados helping us to become at the helm of the government of this country, that there WILL be any degeneration in the political and other infrastructures of the country, primarily because these said people will continue to be ultimately in control of the motioning/movement and rate at which these very empowering and farreaching ideologies are assimilated and accepted in this country, and obviously knowing most of our people in Barbados to be purposefully methodical, they will seek to carefully build NEW political and other infrastructures in this country to suit these ideas, philosophies and principles, which they KNOW, or eventually WILL KNOW, will be helping to empower and enrich them in Barbados, and therefore we in PDC know that there WILL NOT be any degeneration in any of these infrastructures that will be attributed to us or them. That is one of the reasons why we are SO VERY focussed on our messages, and NOT on the old DLP and BLP thinking, R O B O T!!
Finally, R O B O T within a democratic framework many things and events are possible. A people denied the right to a better life and better progression, will once given the opportunity to fight for it and to achieve/win it, will secure that right to a better life – regardless of the few obstacles that may be in their way to achieving such. The presumption here is that these people will want better for themselves, their country, and humanity, to a great extent. So, it is in that context in which we place our ideas for the betterment of the lives of the masses and middle classes of this country. Thanks, Sir, for your very very constuctive points and suggestions, as well!! And R O B O T, if you have NOT read our pre-eection Manifesto, well avail of it@www.somassfreedom.org.
PDC
The scheduled inauguration of CSME in 2015 is to be postponed see the following;
http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=161348014
I believe that the CSME project is heading for the dustbin of history. So what will justify the expensive institutional infrastucture that is Caricom? I suggest closing down Caricom and diverting the money to a UWI controlled research institution.
I am also disturbed that the issue of countries other than B’dos and Guyana, replacing the Privy council with the CCJ seems to have been quietly pushed off the table.
Inkwell
I fail to see how you can equate the demands of us “bloggers” on an internet site demanding what government should do; with the total electorate of Barbados to whom the government are ultimately responsible.
As much as I respect fellow bloggers, and am delighted to part of this important cohort. With due respect we cannot speak for the whole electorate of Barbados, to whom the government must be held to account.
A careful read of my submission would indicate ,I held the view that government should not be dictated to by either bloggers or self-interest groups…a view I still hold.
You indicated us bloggers are the “people”.
I hesitate to say it, but I must. When I used the word people I tied it to Democracy: “the body of persons in a country who are entitled to vote”. The important word here is “body.”
In the case to which you refer bloggers were a “small” representation of the people.
The change of government has not altered my views. The government has been elected. I say let them govern, I have no wish to stand on the sidelines and constantly carp…that is not in the best interest of Barbados…my primary and only concern.
My reasoning simply is there is always an opportunity to uplift and inspire, but you must be careful not to become an organ of despondency and despair because no good will ensue.
One aspect of your submission to which I will refer and I quote: “That’s the African in us.”
My suggestion is that is more due to the “human condition” which is universal; in that most of our – human beings – actions regardless of if we were born in Asia, Europe, Africa, North America or Australia has an element – even if minute – of “self interes”t in them.
Caribbean islanders are no different in that respect.
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Hopi
A shrewd analysis of the situation.
PDC
You’re such a windbag. Can’t you be more concise?
I bet I’m not the only one here who can’t be bothered to read your comments.
Which kind of defeats the point of you posting, no?
Ralph Gonslaves pretty much sums up the problems of Caricom……
“You have a ramshackle, political administrative apparatus in CARICOM. It doesn’t even suit properly the functional arrangements in health, in education and the like, and in foreign policy, much less to use the same arrangements – institutional, administrative, political arrangements; governance arrangements – for a Single Market and a Single Economy,” he said.
The St Vincent leader pointed to political and social factors in particular CARICOM states contributing to the body’s inability to move beyond being just a group of sovereign states.
“The politics of a limited regional engagement in Jamaica, shackled by the ghosts from the federal referendum; the politics of ethnicity in Trinidad and Tobago and Guyana; a mistaken sense of uniqueness, specialness and separation among the large sections of the Barbadian populace; the peculiar distinctiveness of Haiti and Suriname; and the cultivated aloofness from the regional enterprise by the Bahamas, are destined in the foreseeable future to keep CARICOM as a community of sovereign states in which several of its member states jealously guard a vaunted and pristine sovereignty,” he said.
On the other hand, Mr Gonsalves said, the countries of the OECS – Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Lucia, St Vincent and the Grenadines, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, Anguilla and the British Virgin Islands – have forged ahead with strengthening their ties, the latest effort being a proposed OECS Economic Union.
See link for the entire article
http://www.caribbean360.com/News/Caribbean/Stories/2008/06/18/NEWS0000005967.html
In it’s present state Caricom just like the other regional bodies WI Cricket, LIAT, World Cup Cricket etc is doomed to failure for lack of vision, clear objectives and poor management.
In addition it is impossible to have regional integration without a shared government information database system relating to law enforcement and border security, stolen lost goods, travel documents etc. I.E the Barbadian should have access to the Guyanese passport and police database and vice versa, this eliminates the problem of forged travel documents and prevents crimnals from moving from region to region.
The OECS should go ahead and form an economic union (since it’s the only regional institution that actually works) then grant memebership to other countries that bring their economies and policies up to par with its members just like the EU does when adding new members.
In closing I should add that it took Europe over 50 years from the signing of the Treaty of Rome to achieve an economic union. We should solicit their assistance in forming ours.
Another note, the European Union in implementing free movement of goods, capital and persons gave priority to the crimnals their ill gotten gains and protection of their victims in Europe. In addition they started small with three countries participating. After monitoring progess or lack thereof they invited other countries to life borden controls for free movement of goods and persons.
Caricom in it’s wisdom gave priority to the University graduates leaving the crimnals with fresh stomping grounds to ply their trade. We are also launching the program of free movment of persons with our full compliment of nations. It’s like we know something the Europeans dont.
“In it’s present state Caricom just like the other regional bodies WI Cricket, LIAT, World Cup Cricket etc is doomed to failure for lack of vision, clear objectives and poor management”
You’d include the UWI in this list?
jodiperry
Is this the Ralph Gonzalves who has two or three, the count keeps rising, rape accusations hanging over his head. Gonzalves is in no moral position to be lecturing anyone much less sovereign states. When Gonzlaves clears his name and takes the mote out of his eye I maybe inclined to give him an ear. Until then piss off Gonzalves.
wait a minute
yes it is, note you said accusations not convictions
i’m more interested in his political positions than his morality…
do you have any thoughts on his political views, is he not spot on?
reluctant unbeliever,
no I would not, the UWI is still an objective driven institution which serves its purpose of educating the Caribbean youth (JA,BDS TT at least)