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EDITORIAL
GUYANA CHRONICLE Thursday August 20, 2015
Guyana
CARICOM and Caribbean Integration VENEZUELA’S overt threat to annex a large portion of Guyana’s territory caused our Government to seek support from many quarters. The first stop was CARICOM, of which Guyana is an active member. In fact, the organisation’s headquarters is located here. Along with Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Jamaica, Guyana was an original signatory to the Treaty of Chaguramas which established CARICOM in 1973. Since then Guyana has been steadfast in its participation in the organisation. However, some observers have noted that the regional movement, while coming out in support of Guyana, was not necessarily fulsome in its solidarity. In fact, the WPA, one of the parties in the governing coalition, issued a scathing statement in that regard. The party drew attention to the “watered-down” statement. As it observed, “The Statement was extremely terse, as though the Heads would rather be rid of the problem [which might have been the position of Dominica, Haiti, Jamaica and St. Vincent who have especially benefited from the Venezuelan connection). In fact, the Statement refers specifically to Guyana in only two paragraphs.”] This observation by the WPA points to a dilemma
that all regional integration movements face - the tension between regional commitments and domestic interests. CARICOM member states have always struggled with this problem. But, it has become worse over the last two decades as countries such as Venezuela and China have engaged individual CARICOM members. The consequence is that member states end up subtly and not so subtly competing with each other, as they seek to garner resources for themselves. The problem is that the vulnerability of small states invariably pushes them to accept aid from all quarters. The Venezuelan assistance, through its PetroCaribe programme has been a god-send for many Caribbean countries, including Guyana. But as we are now seeing with the issue of solidarity with Guyana against Venezuela, the price for Venezuela’s aid includes forsaking your brothers and sisters. This calls into focus yet again the meaning of our independence. Is it possible for small states to retain their true independence in a harsh world that, according to calypsonian David Rudder, “that don’t need islands no more?” Rudder was of course, referring to the ever-present and omnipresent Globalisation, a world order that promises much but delivers little to small states such as those in CARICOM.
From the aborted Federation of 1958-62 to the 21st century CARICOM, the Caribbean has identified regional integration as the ultimate gateway to its survival and development. But the push towards deeper integration has persistently come up against the barriers generated by individual interests. The Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) is a good example. While all Caribbean states have long celebrated the end of “Massa Day,” most are comfortable remaining part of the Privy Council rather than joining a court which they created. We have the embarrassment of the CCJ being located in a country which is not a member of the court. As we negotiate the next 50 years of Caribbean Independence, the issue of Caribbean Integration must of necessity be at the top of the agenda. Is it possible to balance individual interests and regional imperatives? The answer is not automatic. Others such as the European Common Market have had to grapple with it. We in the Caribbean must confront it head on.
Guyana accredits first ever resident Chilean Ambassador
PRESIDENT David Granger yesterday accredited Chile’s first-ever resident ambassador to Guyana Mr Claudio Rachel Rojas. According to a release from the Ministry of the Presidency where the accreditation was done, Ambassador Rojas noted during the presentation of his Letter of Credence to the President that the establishment of a permanent mission in Georgetown is testimony to his country’s commitment to the deepening of relations with Guyana, and the movement to a new level of collaboration on the basis of common understanding and shared interests. He explained that through the new embassy, the Government of Chile will be working with local agencies and civil society to look for opportu-
President David Granger flanked by Foreign Affairs Minister Carl Greenidge (left) and new Chilean Ambassador to Guyana Claudio Rachel Rojas (right) at the Ministry of the Presidency yesterday following the accreditation ceremony
nities for cooperation in areas such as education, mining, investment and trade, and capacity-building. He also noted that the countries can further strengthen alliances by working more closely within the framework of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR); the sub-regional bloc, Mercosur; and CARICOM. In response, President Granger welcomed the new Ambassador, and lauded the decision taken by Chile’s President Michelle Bachelet to establish an embassy here in Guyana, a move he described as “a tangible expression of the desire of the Government and people of Chile to deepen the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two countries.” Noting that both countries
enjoy very cordial relations and have worked closely on matters of mutual concern on the regional and global agenda, President Granger said: “The common positions we share on matters such as sustainable development, poverty alleviation, peace and security, respect for territorial integrity, the rule of law and the sanctity of treaties have provided a solid foundation for the friendly relations, which we enjoy… “We have embarked on a process to take concrete measures aimed at revitalising and broadening our cooperation programme to the mutual benefit for our peoples.” Guyana and Chile first established diplomatic relations back in 1971. The embassy is located at 66 Brummel Place, Stabroek, Georgetown.