BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – ST. Lucia’s Prime Minister, Phillip J Pierre, is defending the regional integration movement, CARICOM, saying that in his opinion, the region has been better with the 15-member regional grouping than without.
In recent times, divisions have emerged within CARICOM, most recently over the re-appointment of its Secretary General, Dr. Carla Barnett, for another five-year term.
Trinidad and Tobago has called for a CARICOM meeting to discuss the matter with Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, noting that until “this matter is transparently resolved, the organization and its secretariat should absolutely expect no quarter from my Government”.
Port of Spain had also threatened to withdraw from CARICOM following its support for the United States military having a presence in the Caribbean as part of a drug eradication campaign, but which political observers say was a pretext for the invasion of Venezuela and the removal of its president, Nicolas Maduro, which the North American country carried out in January.
But as he addressed the University of the West Indies (UWI) Cave Hill Law Society on the theme “Leadership in Unprecedented Times: Responsibility, Resilience and Renewal,” Pierre said that it is a common belief that economic integration amongst small states is a key factor if growth and development have to be accelerated.
He said that after the failed attempt to establish the West Indies Federation, the Treaty of Chaguaramas established CARICOM, which has survived since 1973.
“Yes, CARICOM has had its challenges, but the viability and usefulness of the grouping cannot be understated. The future effectiveness of CARICOM will depend on greater alignment, so that we can leverage the collective strength of its members. More direct communication between CARICOM leaders is needed.”
Pierre said coordination of foreign policy is the desired goal, “but because CARICOM is not a political union, differing views or foreign policies should not create tensions that may ultimately affect the economic and social integration of the people.
“I believe that the people of the region want to unite the region, and the people themselves will sustain this unity through sports, culture, music, etc. However, the lack of adequate transportation within the region has inhibited that unity. It is my opinion that the region has been better with CARICOM than without.”
Pierre said that in this current situation, “there is concern as to the future of our region.
“I do not despair. I believe that institutions like the UWI play a pivotal role in the changing geopolitical environment.
“Let us find solutions to the issues that we have control of – like feeding ourselves, harvesting our water, and expanding our trade with each other’s products. Raising our children with the upbringing that will teach them to be respectful and responsible adults, with a sense of focus and understanding of what is expected of them in this world,” Pierre said, adding, “leadership is not always one person. Still, one person can make a difference with leadership”.
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