A Critical Examination of CARICOM's Challenges and Trinidad and Tobago's Role
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has been often criticized as being in a “comatose” state, characterized by chronic failures in implementation of its policies and agreements. Key among these failures are recurring breaches of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, particularly concerning the free movement provisions under the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME). This pattern underscores a troubling trend where member states prioritize national interests over collective commitments, fundamentally undermining the ethos of regional cooperation.
At the centre of this dilemma is Trinidad and Tobago, an economic heavyweight in the region. T&T accounts for a significant share of CARICOM’s exports, thus exerting considerable influence on the economic landscape of its member states, many of which rely heavily on T&T for trade. However, Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar's approach exemplifies a politically pragmatic stance, reflecting her responsibility to domestic constituents rather than regional organizations. She famously stated, “All politics are domestic,” which highlights the inherent conflict between national priorities and regional commitments.
Persad-Bissessar’s alignment with the United States, T&T’s largest trading partner and a global superpower, has sparked controversy. Her critiques of CARICOM's approach toward Venezuela, particularly the government of Nicolás Maduro, reflect a desire to distance Trinidad and Tobago from what she terms the “narco government” that has been accused of severe human rights violations. This perspective has led her to label CARICOM’s support for Venezuela as a façade of unity, under which lies a potential for regional destabilization.
Moreover, her remarks targeted Antigua and Barbuda's leadership, insinuating that they should address their own national issues rather than focus on her criticism. Such a stance illustrates the fractious dynamics within CARICOM, where political rivalry can overshadow the collective goal of regional integration.
Former Prime Minister Dr. Keith Rowley’s response to Persad-Bissessar highlights the contentious nature of this dialogue. He expressed concerns that her rhetoric could isolate T&T from the region, thereby threatening regional unity and sovereignty. Rowley accused her of being “unpatriotic” and rebuked her public withdrawal from CARICOM dialogues. His response underlines a growing fissure within CARICOM, where infighting among leaders may further exacerbate the organization's deterioration. How many in CARICOM commented when Venezuelan ministers noted that Guyana and Trinidad were part of their country? The silence was deafening.
The overarching narrative reveals a chronic dysfunction within CARICOM, where inadequate management, accountability lapses, and the meddling of personal conflicts hinder collective progress. Comments from leaders like Persad-Bissessar and Rowley display a widening rift that could jeopardize the future of CARICOM. Their dichotomies in leadership approaches reflect deeper ideological splits that might lead to the organization's eventual implosion if not addressed.
The Caribbean faces external pressures and internal discord; CARICOM’s survival hinges on its ability to navigate these challenges. To function effectively, it must move beyond a “zone of peace” narrative and confront the realities of its operational deficiencies. A more cohesive and accountable regional framework is essential for CARICOM to fulfill its mandate and better serve the people of the Caribbean. and Trinidad and Tobago's Role
Sarge
Over the last decade T&T was assigned the security role and cricket improvement for CARICOM; we saw failure at both.