Former Jamaican Prime Minister P.J. Patterson has challenged the Caribbean to embrace the warming of relations between the United States of America and Cuba as opening up new opportunities for the region, particularly in trade and tourism.
Patterson was delivering the keynote address to the 3rd CARIFORUM-EU Business Forum hosted by the Caribbean Export Development Agency (Caribbean Export) being held in the resort city at the Hilton Rose Hall Resort & Spa in collaboration with the ACP Business Climate facility (BizClim). He painted a vision of CARIFORUM in international trade relations with Cuba as an integral part of the Caribbean.
With a population of approximately 37 million, the region would have an expansive economic zone with various advantages, among them, controlling very significant sea and air routes.
Patterson, who is also a former Minister of Tourism, sees the new Caribbean as a large tourist area being able “to exercise real control over the berths for one-half of the world cruise ships.”
It would also be a boost to building a creative industry with few gaps. “The inclusion of Cuba would strengthen greatly the educational and health infrastructure. It would increase the depth and diversity of the creative and other touristic offerings,” he advised.
As one of the region’s most accomplished negotiators, Patterson posited that the size of the internal market and production base would increase dramatically and begin to demonstrate and lay a stronger and more operational base for South/South Trade.
The Jamaican statesman advised the CARIFORUM participants that a redefined Caribbean “would be a powerhouse in world sports, not just in the sprints in world athletics, and in the world’s music industry, but also as a centre, not a backup for the movie industry.”
Another major plus is that the Caribbean control a not too insignificant part of the world’s marine and terrestrial biodiversity for the pharmaceutical and food industries.
“The main recommendation for the States of the Region is for them to see a big picture – the region as a unit to deal with the world – not as fragments to be exploited by the rest of the world. They must see the Caribbean as a complementary force for external competition and not as parts for internal competition”, said Patterson.
He declared that the time had come to enter a new frontier to secure the region’s full share of an area of soaring global growth, “the Knowledge Economy” – which he described as a niche anchored by cultural heritage, creativity, innovation and superb talents spanning the range of arts, music, sports, animation, festivals, food, wellness and the hospitality trade.
The 3rd CARIFORUM-EU Business Forum was held under the theme “Making Connections, Building business, Increasing Trade and Investment” was organised in collaboration with the ACP Business Climate facility (BizClim). The ACP Business Climate Facility (BizClim) is a programme of the ACP Secretariat financed by the European Union under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF).
It seeks to foster a business enabling environment for the Private Sector in ACP countries and regions by improving legislation, institutional frameworks and financial measures.
Really? Is PJ Patterson trying to outshine my Blessed Prime Minister? The Right Honourable, Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit would be way more effective giving this speech on the matter of opportunities for the region with regards to new U.S./Cuba relations. The Honourable Prime Minister of Dominica has always been a friend to Cuba and advocated for the lifting of U.S. sanctions against that Country. Our precious Prime Minister’s ideas for regional development would have motivated and enlightened members of the forum. Although Mr. Patterson’s speech and ideas were quite good, it would have been far more interesting to hear from the wisest Prime Minister in the region. Our very own Dr. Roosevelt Skerrit.
“The main recommendation for the States of the Region is for them to see a big picture – the region as a unit to deal with the world – not as fragments to be exploited by the rest of the world. They must see the Caribbean as a complementary force for external competition and not as parts for internal competition”, said Patterson.”
Well said words PJ Paterson…..however we don ot have the fortitude, foresight, know how and intelligence of political leadership especially in Dominica to champion this cause.
I am sorry , we just do have it. Everyone is about themselves and their little state.
What stands out in what you said is this : “not as fragments to be exploited by the rest of the world”. Does the name China comes to mind? Does the corruption comes to mind? Does the name victimisation come to mind?
We are just not ready
The potential is there….will the potential materialize? And if materialized in Cuba, would the rest of the Caribbean see any benefit? time will tell….
It is good to see the Caribbean statesman, The Right Hon P.J.Patterson involved in geopolitical issues. What a tremendous resource he is. Hon Patterson has a wealth of knowledge for Caribbean social life. He has always been a champion for improved relations between US and Cuba.