Caricom states say CSME only with their mouths
Dear Editor,
I write with respect to the recent summit of Caricom heads of government which took place in Montego Bay, Jamaica. I understand that issues pertaining to the single market and economy were discussed. I use this medium to state that Caricom will remain an avenue for talks and no action until a number of impediments are eliminated.
First, the existence of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) as an entity and subregional grouping will continue to make CSME a mirage. The member states of OECS share a common currency, central bank and a stock market. This arrangement, which has been in place for over two decades, has been beneficial to those small island states so much so that any plan to have a single economy in the Caribbean is only assented to verbally, not in reality by them. To these small island states, a Caricom single economy will dismantle their subregional bloc.
Second, the primacy of nationalism over regionalism is another stumbling block to CSME. Yes, during meetings the member states of Caricom consider themselves one, but having gone their several ways, they refuse to cede even one inch of their sovereignty for the good of the region. This, therefore, makes the plan for Caribbean single economy an idea in the books, rather than a practicable phenomenon.
Third, some governments of some Caricom countries have a propensity to competition rather than collaboration. Therefore, with one mouth they sloganise Caricom single economy, but in their policy implementation they are strongly in favour of competing against their Caricom sisters.
Fourth, there is also the problem of xenophobia in some of the member states of Caricom. For example, some of them have the stereotypical view of Jamaicans as criminals and murderers. But Jamaicans are some of the nicest people on Earth. There is, therefore, the need for the ministries of national securities or corresponding agencies in the different states to encourage their citizens to eschew prejudice and xenophobia.
I close by stating that until the aforementioned issues and others are dealt with the Caricom single economy will remain only a concept.
Ugochukwu Wilson Durueke
Teacher, Ferncourt High School
St Ann
udurueke@yahoo.com
