The ‘Fantastic 4’ leads the way to CARICOM Union!

Aug 31, 2008 Clarence E. Pilgrim, Features / Columnists

By Clarence E Pilgrim

The unbelievable initiative mounted by Prime Minister Patrick Manning of Trinidad & Tobago has raised the potential of “jump starting” the move for CARICOM’s integration to be sooner rather than later.

This worthy unilateral initiative which occurred without notification to the Conference of heads of government saw an inaugural meeting being held between St. Lucia, St .Vincent, Grenada and Trinidad & Tobago. The intention is to have a political union by 2015.

This enlightened ‘Fantastic 4’ has extended an invitation to meet with other members of the Caribbean Community.

This new event will put the Treaty of Chaguaramas to a positive test. It will test the boundaries of just how serious and committed countries are to the move of integration.

The fact is that with the coming of a new global economic dispensation, there is a need to forge closer Caribbean linkages.

There are clear and present issues which demand immediate attention. The rising cost of living, climate change and criminal activity are just some of the pressing issues.

The need for political and economic union is a significant one. The four countries embarking on that journey must now develop an understanding of how to manage critical global issues, particularly those affecting the standard of living in their countries.

But, whatever initiative is being planned or presently undertaken, there must be the factor which takes into account the overall development equation.

There is the ever-present need to address the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in a realistic and meaningful way.

The Spirit of the Treaty of Chaguaramas must never be forgotten; neither should the names or legacy of the great men who forged this important accord.

It has been well over a decade since the West Indian Commission recommended the creation of a civil society charter for the Caribbean Community.

Those enlightened articles which have become a standard document of reference, for signatory states continue to endure the test of time with each succeeding challenge, which is faced by a changing Caribbean in an unpredictable sea of social problems.

It is such documents which need to be infused into society and disseminated into every sector, groups and individuals, that will guide the direction of human development in the Caribbean. This must be the binding document of a United Caribbean States.

In an earlier commentary which I believe is applicable to the four countries, I opined that “The ability to handle change is one of the most important skills a leader can have.

As member countries within CARICOM, our leadership must display charismatic and visionary attributes, which is necessary for us at a time that we need to educate our workforce to be more diverse, technologically equipped with a greater skills-mix.

Careful planning and preparation is indeed the key to success. Understanding the nature of existing concerns will help to define what exists, determine ways to eliminate the differences and apply goals which are time relevant and results-oriented, particularly in the present global dispensation where the tides of industry and commerce touch the shores of the entire global village.”

Seen in the context of “advanced thinking”, Prime Ministers Patrick Manning, Ralph Gonsalves, Stevenson King and Tillman Thomas have all proven themselves to be bold pioneers, in taking a necessary step which some are timidly moving towards.

Any member of CARICOM who sees this as an opportunity to criticise and threaten to pull-out of the regional grouping because of this initiative by the four nations is attempting to reverse history, and re-live the period which led to the break-up of the famous but now defunct West Indies Federation.

The time to seize the moment is now! I urge the other CARICOM states to follow this lead by the ‘Fantastic 4’, and begin the process of moving CARICOM’s political and economic integration into a higher level of priority.

These are the times when we have to seize the moment and make the kind of present which will bring greater opportunity and development for our region. For our history’s sake, let us make the right choice today!

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.