DAVIE – Maybe it is time to declare much of the Caribbean as composed of failed states. It is a designation that ought to bring much shame and consternation to proud Caribbean folk who are seeped in the notion of independence and sovereignty, but one could argue that much of the region has demonstrated little independence of thought and even economic realities.
Take for example the current status of most of the region: Antigua and Barbuda with a government in limbo because three elected officials, including the prime minister in legal terms does not have seats in the assembly. In Trinidad and Tobago, the prime minister is hinting at elections more than two years early, in part because the opposition appears unable to unify, even in an individual party.
Jamaica, where controversies, including one with connections to the U.S. continue to bedevil the governing party, Guyana where the opposition remains divided facilitating the president to do virtually anything he chooses. Countries that are still connected more directly to Britain like the Turks and Caicos are also seriously troubles in the matter of governance. In other words, there is serious trouble of one sort or the other in the entire english speaking Caribbean and it appears none of the leaders either know or are prepared to do what is necessary to make things right.
Calling these countries failed states may not be a bad thing because it does not have to mean a pining after colonial times. Instead it could mean acknowledging an illness before a cure can be found.
Winston Barnes
Host – “Open Mic” WAVS 1170AM
Voice your opinion on “Open Mic” with Winston Barnes daily on WAVS 1170AM or listen on-line www.wavs1170am.com
