Letter to the Editor: Because the Caribbean stands at a pivotal second in its historical past, questions of management, sovereignty, and regional route have by no means been extra essential. The current appointment of Prime Minister Andrew Holness to the chairmanship of CARICOM is a second for hope and, certainly, a name to motion. We should seize this chance to champion a brand new course—one the place Jamaica and our fellow impartial nations will not be beholden to the political tide of any single state or chief, however fairly, one the place sovereign pursuits and nationwide growth are paramount.
For too lengthy, the notion has lingered that CARICOM’s trajectory is dictated from a single level, with international coverage and developmental methods being crafted to serve a slender, concentrated agenda. It’s crucial that we resist the urge for Jamaica to turn out to be a puppet of anyone nation, together with Barbados underneath the management of Prime Minister Mia Mottley. Our main allegiance should be to our personal residents and our personal future. True regional energy emerges not from a unified facade, however from the collective energy of assured, impartial nations making selections in their very own finest pursuits, and subsequently, in the perfect pursuits of the Caribbean area as an entire.
This renewed deal with nationwide sovereignty should prolong to our international coverage and developmental methods. Jamaica should be free to make impartial selections that may foster its personal prosperity. This contains, with out hesitation, strengthening {our relationships} with international companions like the USA, India, Hong Kong, and Israel. These will not be merely symbolic gestures; they’re strategic alliances that may unlock new avenues for commerce, expertise, agriculture, growth, and safety. We should champion the liberty to enter into bilateral agreements and helpful preparations that instantly serve the Jamaican folks, with out the necessity for exterior validation or regional consensus that won’t align with our nationwide targets.
Because the area contemplates the candidacy of a Barbadian for the UN Secretary Common submit, it’s essential that each Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica train their sovereign proper to withstand being swept up in a marketing campaign which will compromise their diplomatic and nationwide pursuits. Our selections should be guided by a sober evaluation of what’s finest for Kingston and Port of Spain, not by the momentum of a broader regional ambition.
Prime Minister Holness’s chairmanship marks a welcome shift. It’s our honest hope that he’ll use this platform to champion the nation-state, promote nation-building, and make sure the freedom of commerce and diplomacy. By prioritizing our sovereign authority and forging a path of impartial progress, Jamaica can as soon as once more lead by instance, demonstrating that regional unity is strongest when its members are additionally masters of their very own future
