Sunday, March 1, 2015

THE LAST TO BE UNIFIED???? A UNITED CARIBBEAN STATES??? One FLAG? One SONG???

Written by Clairon Haynes 2006 in the EDITORIAL AND COMMENTARY COLUMN OF ==> MONTREAL CAMERA ==> A newspaper in MONTREAL, QUEBEC, CANADA.

Unity is a term that is frequently used each time I listen to speeches made by Caribbean politicians.

Sometimes I question whether or not they truly understand the full dept of its denotative and connotative meaning. As leaders of our nations, it is incumbent on them to practice what they preach. Should the citizens take their offices and model unity for them? How could we as a people obey their plea for togetherness toward nation-building when they themselves fail to show solidarity?
Barbados Prime Minister the Hon. Freundel Stuart responds to the media at the press conference held at the conclusion of the 26th Intersessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM. Also in photograph are, from left, the Hon Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda  and outgoing Chairman of the Community, and the Rt Hon. Perry Christie, Prime Minister of The Bahamas and Chair of the Community. (Photo via Bahamas Information Service)
We are an archipelago of islands that, for centuries, has earned its name as the "TOURIST GEM." Is this all we want to be know for, or do we want to stretch beyond our limited size and space to construct an entity that can withstand the boisterous economic waves that swing in our direction?

Most islands are "INDEPENDENT" states. Hats off to them for being courageously able of running their own affairs. It is highly commendable that they are able to maximize their limited resources well enough to the extent of commanding economic stability. Let us pause for a moment to think of the benefits of forming the UNITED CARIBBEAN STATES. Our voice will be better heard at major global governmental bodies such as the WORLD TRADE ORGANIZATION. Our single dollar will stand extremely tall against the giants similarly to those of Asia, Europe, and neighbouring United State of America. 

Not too long ago I heard whispers of the idea of a United North America, linking developed countries such as Mexico, Canada, and the USA. The reason for this speculated notion of unification does not seem a necessity since they all possess relatively booming economies. This is indicative of the fact that they are not blind to the fact a sense of cohesion will assume a better chance at competing effectively in this dog-eat-dog economic arena. What about us? Aren't we third world countries with "STRUGGLING ECONOMIES?" Are we merely talking the talk instead of walking the walk?
BLACK STALIN REMINDS OF UNITY THE WAY TO GO
Are we so consumed by the ease of life such as the golden sunshine, white sand beaches, peace, tranquility, friendly people, and tasty food that we fail to realize we are being left at the starting line in the race for unity? CARICOM? Is it just an organization SITTING IN BLACK AND WHITE? Is it where our quest for REGIONAL UNITY begins and ends?
LIKE #CARICOM OFFICIAL FACEBOOK PAGE ==> https://www.facebook.com/caricom.org

CARICOM WEBSITE ==> http://today.caricom.org/
 

What is our problem why aren't we yet in the race? Could it be that the primary deterrent to unity is FEAR? If the answer is yes then it locked us into its box and threw away its key. Is each country fearful of losing SOVEREIGNTY? Is this the issue or is there more to it? All desire to lead and none wants to follow? Should this be the case then this mentality dims our focus and prevents us from being able to see where we are going as a region. Listen to the CARICOM Official ANTHEM ==> https://soundcloud.com/caricomorg/michele-henderson-celebrating-caricom

The only hope for a more prosperous Caribbean is through UNITY. Yes you may say we have the UNITED WEST INDIES CRICKET TEAM already, perhaps the only GENUINE UNIFYING FORCE. Those moments will forever be cherished when the islands are represented at TEST or ONE-DAY SERIES. For once, not about Barbadian, Vincentian, Trinbagonians, or Jamaicans, but WEST INDIANS. 

Sad to note that after this short lived fairy tale experience we are back to the woods where we are again ranked according to our size and power, arguing who is better than whom. 
It is time for us to awake for our sleep and slumber, shake off the dust of miniature thinking, and with BOLD AUTHORITY step into UNITY. 

"IPA CALYPSO out of SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES sang years ago of the dire need for Caribbean unity. ==> 


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