CARICOM members should respect the Treaty of Chaguaramas

Jul 09, 2015 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
The decision to establish CARICOM was taken by Heads of Government on July 4, 1972, and the following year, the Treaty of Chaguaramas was signed, replacing CARIFTA, to have a more “togetherness” not only in terms of free trade and free movement, but to “enhance levels of international competiveness” and “enhance co-ordination”.
It is regrettable that after 42 years the regional body is not heeding to the Treaty in several ways: (a) decisions taken by Heads of Government are not implemented (b freedom of movement is not adhered to, hence the reason why the Jamaican woman Shanique Myrie sued the Barbados immigration authorities after she was finger searched and refused entry (c) harassment of some nationals, especially Guyanese and Jamaicans, and now members are undecided on a candidate to submit for the post of Commonwealth Secretary General.
Trinidad and Tobago has nominated Dr. Bhoendradatt Tewarie who is hardly known outside his native country.
The Commonwealth of Dominica has submitted Baroness Patricia Scotland, who was an active member of the London-based Privy Council, and Antigua and Barbuda named Sir Ronald Sanders, a Guyanese-born senior diplomat who served in committees for the Commonwealth Secretariat, knows the operation of the Secretariat, and will do an excellent for the 53-nation body at this time in its history.
The Heads of Government should have discussed the nomination at its recently concluded meeting, but because of time constraints, the important issue was not discussed.
Caricom Chairman Freundel Stuart said he is heading a three-member committee to look into the matter and to make suitable recommendations.
Grenada’s Prime Minister, Keith Mitchell, who is supporting Sir Ronald, said if the region does not agree on a single candidate it could be costly.
The post is rotated between Commonwealth regions and the Caribbean is next in line.
But the Grenadian Prime Minister said disunity in Caricom may jeopardise this practice. Chairman Stuart, who is also the Prime Minister of Barbados, said if the Caribbean misses out, it could take 40 years before the position rotates to the Region.
Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, said Sanders is the forerunner candidate. He is not trailing behind any other; he has the most pledges, and moreso he is the best prospect for the job.
It is disturbing that regional leaders are so biased/nationalistic and blind to reality. They should look closely at the curriculum vitae of the three. It is clear, beyond a shadow of doubt that Sir Ronald Sanders is miles ahead of the other two candidates.
Oscar Ramjeet

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