Dear Editor,

As the high commissioner for Trinidad and Tobago to Jamaica, let me first respectfully say that in my experience, there are times when shouting across the Caribbean Sea does not help a cause. I must therefore use this opportunity to say, softly, that it is with regret and disappointment that I read the Jamaica Observer’s editorial of December 11, 2012, “The more important issue is abuse of substance”.

My main concern is that so much of what was said lacked, among other things, the truth, respect and an overall understanding of the complexity of governance in the Caribbean. When logic and empirical evidence are not presented, one often resorts to generalisations which can become inflammatory.

After almost two years in this very hospitable country, I have experienced enough to know that the views expressed in this editorial hardly reflect the sentiment of the Government or the people of Jamaica. Our two countries remain strategic to the ideals of Caribbean unity and integration.

Pointing the proverbial finger at each other is not the answer. We must respect each other. We must be sensitive to each other. Most important, institutions such as yours must be used to inform, educate and examine our countries and our region in ways that, in the end, would bring about the cohesiveness that is necessary for us to make a significant impact in the current and future global environment.

Rev Dr Iva Gloudon

High Commissioner for Trinidad and Tobago

Kingston 5

ivagloudon54@gmail.com