Although he did not place blame on any specific Caribbean leader, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves says that in his opinion, lack of leadership is holding back Caribbean Community (Caricom) integration.
The local PM said that in his opinion, the problem lies with the political directorate within the 15-member regional grouping, while adding that there is a need for serious leadership in CARICOM.
The PM thinks that CARICOM still has a lot to learn and that it can start by looking at the progress being made by the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States which recently signed the Revised Treaty of Basseterre which established an Economic Union.
CARICOM countries have been working towards a fully-functional Single Market and Economy (CSME) by the year 2015 but have suffered several setbacks as they move towards that goal.
@STAFFEE: Thanks Staffee
Agree with you DosEquis!
@DosEquis:
I believe Ralph would have a pretty good idea of what he is talking about since is part and parcel of CARICOM. Great leadership would understand the differences and work towards harmonizing of ideas etc so they function as one.
Every leadership term should be able to reach agreements and arrangements so the next chair can move forward. It is not as easy as saying it but when one take up the responsibility they are have to make strides towards unity.
Ralph, I will take you to task on this one. There is not a lack of leadership in Caricom, but a lack of unity in the constituents. Jamaica, Trinidad , Barbados and Guyana considers themselves the elite and regards us with disdain. This inferiority/superiority complex can be traced back to the days of Eric Williams and the Federation of the West Indies.
You Ralph knows much better than us. You have been around the block a few times.
Unless the citizens of the respective countries unite we are going to be just like Africa.