THE EDITOR, Sir:
OVER THE past few months, it has been rather interesting listening to and reading about the debates surrounding the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) throughout the region, but particularly in Jamaica. As usual, our politicians seem to be refusing to deal with the real issues at hand and seem unmoved in terms of seeking to iron out how the two mechanisms previously mentioned can work for the benefit of all. In effect, what one has been seeing, especially in Jamaica, has been a game of political football on issues that are critical to the region.
While one understands the recent decision of the British Privy Council to deem efforts towards the implementation of the CCJ as the final court of appeal for Jamaica as unconstitutional, one cannot help being perturbed at the manner in which the Jamaica Labour Party (JLP) has handled the situation. Instead of rejoicing over such a decision in the manner that it has, the JLP should be as ashamed as I am that in this the 21st century, after over 40 years of independence, the fate of Jamaica can still be decided by British law lords who are not exempt from flaw as many of us would like to believe.
It is precisely this reality that the CCJ is expected to correct the fact that decisions made in the region within 'sovereign' boundaries can be considered null and void by our 'former' colonial masters.
JLP'S CONCERN LEGITIMATE
For the people of the region, the CCJ ought to be more than just a court. It ought to represent Caribbean autonomy and it should serve as a message to the rest of the world that we are serious in these parts in our pursuit of self-mastery. It is a pity that some of our politicians are not able to see the CCJ in this light but are instead viewing it through the narrow lens of partisan, tribal politics.
The concern that the JLP has as it relates to the funding of the CCJ is a very legitimate one. However, I am convinced that if the governments throughout the region were to prioritize their resources and spend where spending is needed and avoid unnecessary wastage of resources, then the funding of the Court should almost be a non-issue. It is failure to fund the court which would result in its demise. Evidently, to get a quality court, one would expect that the necessary resources to ensure such will be given accordingly.
On the issue of the CSME, I found it rather appalling that in the April 13, 2005 issue of The Gleaner, an Opposition member of Parliament in Jamaica found it fitting to downplay what the CSME can do for Jamaica and the region. He alluded to Jamaica's inability to compete with the rest of the world and even the rest of the region.
However, what that gentleman missed was the fact that it is for exactly those reasons why Jamaica needs to be a part of the CSME. First of all, the CSME is expected to buffer the effects of free trade on the region, including Jamaica, by enhancing our competitive and productive capacities.
HARMONISATION
Secondly, as it relates to the region, the CSME is not about competition among us, but it is about harmonisation. It is about harmonising our monetary and fiscal policies, it is about harmonising our customs policies; and it is about integrating the region into a single economic space. When one looks at the success story of the European Union, it is difficult to conceive how it is that progressive and forward thinking Caribbean nationals cannot want the same or much more for the region.
The rest of the region is looking at Jamaica for leadership. As the biggest of the English speaking Caribbean Islands, much is expected of Jamaica.
It is on this note that I implore those involved in the discourse on the CSME and the CCJ to allow sound reasoning and good judgment to prevail. Jamaica cannot and ought not to repeat what took place in the 1961 referendum. To do this will leave the rest of CARICOM frowning on Jamaica. Again, may good and calculated decisions and dialogue reign.
I am etc.,
JOEL K. RICHARDS
mukesche@yahoo.com
University of the West Indies (Mona)
Via Go-Jamaica
