Charlene Sharpe-Pryce, Contributor
AS THE LEADER of the free world, the events unfolding in the United States (US) on a daily basis have become the target for global attention, not least of all, the contest for the presidency. What would victory for Democratic candidate Barack Obama - who is leading in public opinion polls - signify for the Caribbean?
It is tempting to conclude that an Obama victory would be nothing more than a symbolic and psychological victory for non-whites everywhere, as the rave, adulation, and Cocoa Tea/Mighty Sparrow endorsements will not result in material benefits for the region. The reality is that Obama's first loyalty must be to the people that elected him and the country he represents. It is, therefore, safe to conclude that enough is not yet revealed to comprehensively analyse the significance of an Obama win for the region.
On the other hand, the 'Obamalisation' being witnessed in the world is unprecedented and could represent the political and social change that was anticipated, but never realised, crossing into the 21st century. Enthusiasm abroad about Obama could represent the new lens through which to view the world today in terms of race relations, economic models of development and foreign policy and diplomacy. The candle of hope lit by Obama and the call for change he heralds did not go unnoticed by the US' lifelong nemesis, Fidel Castro, who described him as the most progressive of United States presidential candidates, one who is superior in intelligence and serenity to his counterpart, or by Patrick Manning of Trinidad as a "breath of fresh air".
Enthralled and hopeful
The Caribbean region for the most part is enthralled and hopeful, especially after Obama outlined his foreign-policy intent towards the region in May 2008. This intent is fuelled by an understanding that a new mindset is needed to deal with the changing realities of the Americas. Thus, an Obama-led administration is pledging to "turn the page to a new chapter in the story of the Americas", a new chapter that cannot depend on the blueprint of past administrations in trying to achieve age-old goals of security, freedom from fear, liberty, freedom, democracy and justice.
"We cannot ignore suffering to our south, nor stand for the globalisation of the empty stomach," Obama stated as he pledged his administration's support to substantially increase aid to the Americas and embrace the Millennium Development Goals of halving global poverty by 2015 within the region. "We'll target support (for) bottom-up growth through microfinancing, vocational training and small enterprise development. It's time for the United States to once again be a beacon of hope and a helping hand."
An Obama-led administration would lead the region in a more secure and sustainable energy future - limiting carbon emissions and investing in alternative energy sources
Furthermore, on the age-old issue of immigration, which impacts the region greatly, Obama stated: "We need to understand that immigration - when done legally - is a source of strength for this country (USA) ... (as) our diversity is a source of strength for this country."
Fairy tales
All that being said, it behoves us to remember that the best fairy tales of our times do not all begin with "Once upon a time" but with "if elected, I promise ..." Thus, what do we already know from Obama's actions that would indicate his intent towards the region?
We do know that he is supporting the Stop Tax Haven Abuse Act which aims at ensuring a clogging of the vents for tax evasion by US citizens as well as monitoring money laundering and terrorism funding. Such an act will directly affect 14 Caribbean jurisdictions negatively. Given the vulnerability of Small Island Developing States in the Caribbean, coupled with dwindling income and increasing debt, offshore banking is seen as an important boost to national income. The argument being forwarded to institute an exception clause for the region has met with deaf ears as it directly circumvents US interests that Obama must uphold. We also note that despite his global hopping, Obama is yet to visit the region.
Our best bet, however, lies in what we don't know, as there are issues directly impacting on the region that we have no evidence to suggest that Obama does not support. For example, the current US deportation policy that allows persons, especially those caught afoul of the law, to be deported to the country of their birth even if they were bred and cultured in the US. This has been wreaking havoc on our societies, but then again, this might also circumvent US interests as they face their own challenges of overcrowded penal institutions. Has Obama voiced an opinion on Haitian stability?
Changing US' approach to Cuba
He has, however, voiced an opinion on Cuba and on changing the US' hard-line approach to Cuba, especially the unpopular restrictions imposed by the George Bush administration in 2004. Obama has even proposed to open official talks which would be welcome in the region as the first of its type in about half a century. But, Obama's Americanism came shining through as he made it clear that these talks would be at a time he decides, on an agenda he decides, with persons he wishes to engage in the discussion. Where is Cuba's interest in this again?
We still await Obama's vision on the general trade opportunities for Caribbean Community (CARICOM) products and food security in the region, to name a few things. But then, therein lies the region's problems: we tend to sit and wait.
Charlene Sharpe-Pryce is a faculty head at the Northern Caribbean University. Feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com.
