TRINIDAD and Tobago, birthplace of our Caribbean Community (Caricom), is currently gripped in customary annual Carnival mood. But for one of the best known politicians among former and current heads of government—Jamaica's PJ Patterson—the now almost 40-year-old economic integration movement stands "in danger".
For the former long-serving prime minister of Jamaica, honoured nationally and regionally for his "outstanding contributions" to Caricom, there is "urgent need" for a "concerted effort" by all heads of government of the 15-member community, as well as parliamentary opposition and non-governmental organisations, to rise to the challenges facing the integration movement.
Now retired from active party politics and serving as a recognised elder statesman of Caricom, one of his responsibilities being lead adviser on Haiti, Patterson had a strong warning when he delivered the "distinguished guest" address on Monday night at the World Understanding Month Dinner of the Georgetown Rotary Club in Guyana.
"Let me make it clear," he said, "Urgent steps are required to rescue Caricom, or else life of course may come too late to prevent permanent coma..."
That sad assessment would not have come easily; indeed it would have been quite painful for Patterson, who has been passionate—in and out office—in support of Caricom's fulfillment of major objectives to now have to ring the "danger bell" for "concerted effort" by his community colleagues and more.
The full text of his address would most likely be made available to Caricom colleagues as they prepare for next month's Inter-Sessional Conference, scheduled for Haiti.
'via Blog this'
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