Two regional political analysts have called for changes to be made to the current governance structure of CARICOM, as the Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Motley commences her six-month chairmanship.
During Observer Media’s Big Issues programme on Sunday, Political Scientist Sanjay Lewis and development expert Dr Wayne Kublalsingh were of the view that in spite of Mottley’s articulated commitment to advancing regional integration and revitalising the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), the current rotational leadership framework structurally impedes the implementation of comprehensive regional reforms.
Lewis emphasised that while individual leadership qualities are important, “systemic constraints remain paramount”.
“I think Mia Mottley, being at the helm will inspire some more confidence, understanding that she is very much in support of CARICOM and regionalism.”
However, he identified a critical implementation gap. “The problem that we have that bedevils CARICOM for such a long time is all the regions coming together and understanding the importance of regionalism and implementing the changes that have been proposed at the Caribbean high governance level.”
Dr Kublalsingh, meanwhile, advocated for comprehensive structural reform, specifically proposing an extension of the chairmanship tenure.
“I think what are the items on the agenda and I think incidentally that CARICOM chair should be given probably about four years,” Dr Kublalsingh argued.
He elaborated on the current challenges facing regional leaders: “He [Dr Rowley] has gotten very tired over the years. He has a number of issues, critical issues: crime, dystopian politics, failure of the economy and so on. To handle all of these things at once, very difficult.”
Dr Kublalsingh further stated that a retired political leader or judge should be chosen to chair CARICOM, allowing them more time to focus on regional issues.
Lewis further highlighted the erosion of regional institutional mechanisms: “When I was going to UWI Mona, UWI was set up where if you were doing law, you know that in second year you had to go to Barbados … That doesn’t exist anymore. So how is it that individuals are going to look to be interested in any other country within the Caribbean when the things that we’re doing are now anti-regionalism?”
Kublalsingh emphasized the need for CARICOM to strengthen its global positioning: “We need to enter the foray of world politics with some strength next to us … I think we need to consider as one of the items on the agenda, of course – six months is no time to really consider this properly, the joining application to BRICS.”
Both analysts noted the lack of regional media focus on the work of CARICOM, noting that “we are quick to carry news that is happening in the UK or Europe in general or the United States, but we are very slow to carry news about what is happening within the region.”
Dr Kublalsingh added that “we need a CARICOM media to represent the views of our Caribbean people”.