Caricom more relevant than ever amid rising inflation, natural disasters – outgoing Chairman

…as new Chairman outlines challenges ahead

Sunday’s opening of the 47th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) saw the torch being passed, with outgoing Caricom Chairman, President Dr Irfaan Ali, welcoming the new Chairman, Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell as he outlined the challenges ahead.

The Conference is being held from July 28-30, with the ceremonial opening occurring in St George’s, Grenada, and the island nation is still reeling from the destruction caused by Hurricane Beryl.
According to President Ali, who himself on Sunday visited Guyanese soldiers aiding in Grenada’s rebuilding efforts, the Region must get help from the international community as it finds its footing from the hurricane and the effects of global conflicts and COVID.

“I wish to highlight some of these issues and for the people of Caricom to be the judge, as to the question consistently asked, about the relevance and importance of Caricom. These questions can be easily put to rest. And I want to do so tonight with some examples,” President Ali said.
“Today, all of us in this room, we face rising prices. And all of us, in a reflex action, point all our fingers to the Government. But what about the system failing us globally? What about the fact that we spent two years, redirecting resources for education, agriculture, for security, to fight COVID? To give our people an opportunity to live?”

The Guyanese Head of State pointed out that this was all done from the already-scarce budgetary resources of Caricom States, many of them Small Island Developing States (SIDS). Added to this is the fact that countries in the region have been importing inflation through increased shipping costs.
“We did this with resources from our budgets and very little international help. How many headlines will speak to that crisis and how the leadership navigated that crisis? In the last six months alone, we were importing inflation at a record level. The cost of shipping increasing by more than 1000 per cent,” he noted.

“We did not cause that or create the conflict around the world that is driving up the cost of shipping. But we are facing those challenges, with the increased cost of shipping, the increased cost of energy. The countries that must now direct budgetary resources that should have gone to health care, but must now rebuild after Beryl.”
President Ali also challenged the Private Sector to help the regional governments call on the international community, to seek aid that would go towards the rebuilding efforts. He noted that while leaders were not shying away from the challenges, it was important to address the source of the problems.
“After we fought for dignity and identity, we then had to fight to ensure we had our own values and values were not imposed on us. As we fought these battles, we have to now fight to ensure we build systems that work for us. And not systems that are imposed on us. We have to build systems that work for our region. This requires the Private Sector, Governments, and the academic community, we have to come together and trust in ourselves. We have to have hope for the future.”

Incoming Chairman
The incoming Caricom Chairman meanwhile outlined some of the challenges that remain ahead of the Region during his term. One such issue is rebuilding after the ravages of Hurricane Beryl. Another is advancing the Caricom Single Market Economy (CSME).
While he acknowledged that some citizens may be sceptical of free movement within the Region, he reminded them that when there are disasters, there are no borders. Mitchell used as an example, Guyana’s swift action in sending not only supplies but manpower in the form of Guyana Defence Force (GDF) soldiers to aid in the rebuilding efforts in Grenada.
“I don’t remember any extensive paperwork for the Guyana Defence Force to (provide assistance in Grenada). I don’t recall any extensive paperwork for CDEMA to be in Grenada, to be working and providing support to our National Disaster Management Agency.”
“In fact, I don’t recall any extensive paperwork for any of the international donor agencies currently in Grenada. So why are we clinging on in fear? So, we will continue to advance work on this issue,” PM Mitchell stated.
Mitchell noted that as Chairman, he would champion this issue and more. What’s more, the Prime Minister echoed President Ali’s sentiments in urging the Private Sector to also play their part in helping the process along.
“The Caricom Single Market Economy and the movement of people remains a priority… I know some of us in the Region may be a bit cynical on this issue. But as I called out labour and the business community, you too can play your part in helping us to find the solutions that lead to more rapid advancement on those issues.”
“Oftentimes, the timidity may come from the fear of political reaction from citizens at home. So, we have to educate our population. And unshackle them from the idea that the free movement of our citizens within Caricom will do anything other than enhance the growth, strength and solidarity within the Caribbean Community,” the new Caricom Chairman said.