Mr. EU, “Massa days done”

Jul 27, 2008 Features / Columnists

The Parrot is taking note of the discussions, both locally and regionally, surrounding the EPA. No, not the Environmental Protection Agency; the European Partnership Agreement between the European Union and CARICOM countries.

Uncle Bharrat has basically been the lone regional voice urging the nations not to sign since such an act can have serious economic consequences.

Many have since been voicing their voices either for or against the signing. Accusations on this issue abound.

The agreement essentially puts countries in the region at an economic disadvantage. Some, for other reasons, seem unwilling to challenge these disadvantages despite the ensuing repercussions.

Some seem comfortable with it and have used this level of comfort to spew accusations on those who have spoken out against specific clauses in the agreement.

History has shown us that, generally, lesser developed countries seem timid to question the developed ones on some issues, including those related to economics.

It is no secret that many undeveloped and developing countries depend on the “Bigger Boys” for economic aid. This ultimately results in the “lack of voice” by the “Smaller Boys”.

It is believed that some of the countries that constituted the Allied Forces during “Desert Shield” and “Desert Storm” in 1991 may have been so associated due to their economic dependency on those who led the battle then and still so do now.

It is felt that during that war some countries which may have had a hidden reluctance to “participate” were coerced into economic constraints. This reminds me of the saying “who pays the piper calls the tune”.

The Parrot recalls that there was a time when, generally, visitors to Uncle Fidel’s country were not allowed entry into Uncle Sam’s country.

This principle has basically remained unchanged for visitors from some countries to Uncle Sam’s.

Even residents of Uncle Sam’s are subjected to similar treatment when they would have visited “questionable” countries.

What this means is that Uncle Sam’s people in authority are the ones who basically decide where one could have travelled to or from.

Similarly, the EU wants to decide how countries should conduct their trade with them. Like any negotiation, each side would want to ensure that it is on the more favourable side of the deal. Fine; this is only natural.

However, in a complex agreement like the EPA, a powerful grouping like the EU would never compromise themselves benefiting from the deal.

Given their dominance, it is clear that some aspects of the agreement have been imposed on countries in the region.

This, in addition to the economic dependency by regional countries on the EU and other developed countries, is the reason for the silence by other regional Heads.

The Parrot is convinced that other than Uncle Bharrat, other regional Heads seem to lack the “spine” in standing up to the EU. Those from the region who have supported Uncle Bharrat are not part of a sitting government.

Edward Seaga of Jamaica, Dr. Kenny Anthony of St. Lucia and Dr. Keith Mitchell of Grenada have echoed Guyana’s sentiments on the EPA.

This tends to suggest that the regional Heads are afraid to take the position Uncle B has taken for fear that their economies may be affected.

This, if proven true, can be described as a clear abdication of duty and betrayal of their people.

Uncle Bharrat is adamant that he will consult with his people so that they can have a better understanding of the potential implications of the EPA.

His objection to sections of the agreement has been supported by those mentioned while the President of France has recommended a review for African countries which also pronounced against the agreement.

This should have been a catalyst for regional Heads to pay heed to what is been objected to and why. After all, France currently holds the Presidency of the EU.

The latest person to have appealed to the regional Heads for them to reconsider their signing of the agreement is Sir Shridath Ramphal.

He commented that the region may regret not heeding the warning of those who cautioned about signing the agreement.

This has to be taken as a vindication of what Uncle Bharrat has been saying all along as it relates to the EPA. Countries in the EU are the colonial masters of countries in the region. They imposed on us then and seemingly want to do so now.

Slavery which ended some one hundred and seventy-four years ago may be raising its head in a different form through documents like the EPA.

Given Guyana’s position and the statement by Sir Shridath, we may very well see the evolving of Uncle Bharrat as the modern day Wilberforce in the quest to halt the EU crusade on vulnerable nations. The message to the EU should be clear and unanimous; Massa day done.
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