CARIBBEAN-Opposition leaders agree to establish a new grouping.

CASTRIES, St. Lucia, CMC – The leaders of seven political parties in the Caribbean have agreed to establish a “Leader of the Opposition Political Parties Forum.”

A statement issued here said that the meeting was attended by Allen Chastanet of the United Workers Party (UWP) in St. Lucia, Dr. Keith Mitchell of the New National Party (NNP) in Grenada, Dr. Godwin Friday of the New Democratic Party (NDP) of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Jamal Pringle of the United Progressive Party (UPP) of Antigua and Barbuda as well as Shyne’ Barrow of the United Democratic Party (UDP) of Belize, Dr. Ronnie Yearwood of the Democratic Labour Party (DLP) in Barbados and Roy McTaggart of the Progressives party in the Cayman Islands.

The statement said the meeting occurred last Saturday, and the discussions “focused on the need for higher awareness of the constitutional significance and resultant responsibility associated with the office of Leader of Opposition.

“The St. Lucia meeting also seeks to develop a framework for parliamentary oppositions in various Caribbean countries to share best practices and further strengthen their constitutional roles’ effectiveness in government. “

The statement said that the meeting “found consensus on the importance of the forum and agreed to invite other opposition leaders to formalize a regional platform for closer collaboration at its next meeting,” a date that had not been disclosed.

Chastanet told a news conference that many regional opposition leaders have had a shared experience.

“Many times, the Leader of the Opposition’s position is demonized. We are treating it as a political adversary rather than recognizing its constitutionality and purpose in our democracy,” Chastanet added.

For example, he said that in St. Lucia, the Opposition only saw the expenditure estimates a few days before its presentation to Parliament.

“Shouldn’t there be a mechanism where civil servants, particularly those from the Ministry of Finance and the Ministry of Economic Development, meet with the leader of the opposition’s office to give them better details?”

Chastanet explained that the regional opposition leaders forum aimed to create greater recognition among Caribbean Community (CARICOM) citizens regarding the opposition leader’s office and its role in a democracy.

He said citizens should regard as “undemocratic” any attempt to silence, demean, or undermine the opposition leader’s role.