ROBUST REGIONAL DEBATE in two important CARICOM capitals in recent weeks has served to underscore what is wrong with the regional integration movement.
Indeed, the oft quoted phrase “one from ten leaves nought”, attributed to the late Trinidadian leader Dr Eric Williams, remains as relevant today as it was during the flagging days of the 1958-62 Federal experiment.
Ironically, Jamaica and Trinidad are at the centre of lingering doubt about the need for CARICOM oneness once again.
On the one hand, while it is heartening to hear that the government in Port of Spain, which is the headquarters of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), will finally accede to its appellate jurisdiction, it is a matter of concern, to say the least, that the move is being made half-heartedly.
“Consistent with our approach of caution and gradualism, this country has not rushed to surrender the jurisdiction of the Judicial Committee of the Privy Council but has rather kept the issue under constant review,” said Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar, in announcing that her government was prepared to partially break ties with the London law lords, who will continue to adjudicate some civil and constitutional matters.
Seemingly more decisive on the CCJ has been the Portia Simpson Miller-led administration in Jamaica, which has served notice of its intention to “fully repatriate” judicial sovereignty, even though the current tone of national discussion in Kingston on economic matters related to CARICOM is worrying.
Asked Claude Clarke, a former People’s National Party minister of trade in an April 15 commentary in the Sunday Gleaner: “Can anyone explain why cash-strapped Jamaica should bear the cost of waivers on more than US$1.2 billion of CARICOM imports when we do not export more than US$60 million to the region?”
To his credit, Clarke concluded that though much damage had been done, it was not too late for the government to begin to discharge its responsibility and to use its lead role in CARICOM to move Jamaica from a position of disadvantage.
Useful advice, not only for Jamaica, but all of CARICOM. It is also of the type that could be broadly applied in resolving social matters as well.
But in the midst of a global recession, when many influential people are said to be advocating that Jamaica review its membership in the 15-member grouping, we believe CARICOM as a whole would be better served in heeding the warning of Brian Pengelley, president of the Jamaica Manufacturers Association.
He cautions that walking away is “a last resort”.
