The body parts of C’bean unity and governance realities (Part 1)

Jul 20, 2008 Clarence E. Pilgrim, Features / Columnists

By Clarence E. Pilgrim

In countless ways the twenty-ninth meeting of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Conference of Heads of Government which was held in Antigua and Barbuda from 1-4 July 2008, has been a significant defining moment in the history of the social and economic bloc, and the role it will play in furthering regional sustainable development.

The meeting was “content’ successful and there was a renewed commitment to regional integration with full support for the initiatives to advance the objectives set out in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.

But contained within the unifying resolutions was the reality that many more challenges remained to the full implementation of a single market economy. Once such impediment is the alarm raised in many quarters to the freedom of movement of certain Caribbean nationals. A very important reality during the CARICOM meeting was the recognition that the deadlines for the realisation of the CARICOM Single Market Economy (CSME) will not be met, as some countries indicated their need for more time to prepare for the implementation of key elements within the agreement, a main one being the free movement of CARICOM nationals.

The fact is that free movement is an essential factor for the effective functioning of the CSME, but it is clear that simply passing laws and making regulations is not enough to place some countries in the position to address this concern by the end of 2008.

The reality is that within the present and future economic conditions within the Caribbean basin, there is a serious question mark about the ability of some community members to absorb large numbers of migrants.

Real considerations include the absorptive capacity of medical facilities, placement competition for limited educational opportunities, the weight on both the social services and implications for the legal system.

I have often expressed the view that the freedom of movement must be managed carefully and effectively, so that it would efficiently and systematically address the concerns of persons who consider themselves as expecting certain benefits within a territory as a matter of birthright!

Even if administrative mechanisms were put in place now with the immediate introduction of skills certificates at all levels and related documentation, without the proper and planned social re-engineering, there is always the possibility of some unknown and unplanned factor, emerging to give a formidable negative challenge to the process.

The management of the movement of peoples is a critical function. One which must have a “buy-in” from the very citizens who will be directly experiencing it, if social cohesion is to be maintained, as opposed to unwelcome upheavals.

Movement can bring to a territory the brightest and best from another nation, or unfortunately it can mean the transplanting of the worst element(s) from one area, to create problems in another. This obviously raises the question of how do we create the right environment to facilitate this necessary component which is pivotal to the successful implementation of the single market economy by 2015?

Education, public awareness and a well-structured national human resource integration and absorption plan is key to overcoming the problem of too great an influx of citizens from one land into another.

Natural resources are limited and there must be some means of preservation for the entitlements of all citizens within the community.

The indoctrination of our societies into thinking about the “oneness in diversity” of our Caribbean culture must be an intensive and ongoing effort.

In learning about and protecting the human resource environment of our Caribbean collective, individual citizens and civil society generally, must influence political leaders to invest in such measures that will ensure the equitable distribution of human and natural capital, including education, health and environmental protection.

The opportunities for CARICOM citizens to play a proactive role in particularly this issue, may vary within and across nations, depending on the level of development and education, transparency of information and support. NGOs and communities are encouraged to be accountable partners in developing sustainable human resource management plans along with governments.

The CARICOM heads in recognising the difficult horizon ahead said in its declaration that, “Our support for a variable geometry of integration which would allow for variation in the pace of accession to the integration arrangements……Our intention to strengthen national systems to advance implementation of Community decisions”

This is the only logical path to take at this time. Let us work together to make a concept of one Caribbean, a reality for the next generation – if not this one.

Clarence E. Pilgrim is an environmentalist, advocate for human rights, educator, a senior officer in the Antigua & Barbuda Civil service and volunteer for various non-profit organisations.