Dare to hope again?

22.AUG.08

The unification of the Caribbean, the English-speaking nations at least, has long been a cherished dream of Caribbean citizens, even though up to now the consummation of this burning desire at the highest levels (political/economics) has remained but a fleeting illusion.{{more}} The pioneers of that unity from Marcus Garvey through Captain Cipriani, Theodore Marryshow and our own George Mc Intosh have sought to advance that goal and can be credited for the limited achievements in this sphere.

But Caribbean unity is more than just a dream. Caribbean people have demonstrated this in practical terms, even in the face of colonial restrictions and post-independence petty nationalism. Migration is the best example of this, with destinations changing according to economic and political circumstances. It is only the self-serving narrow nationalism of many of our leaders that has hindered a more complete integration of our peoples. Regional institutions such as the University of the West Indies and the outstanding example of West Indies cricket have served to keep the regional focus alive.

With all the contradictions, Caribbean people have managed to keep their dreams alive and to try to forge a distinctive Caribbean identity. This has survived the repeated efforts of generations of narrow-minded politicians who, while preaching unity, resort to cheap nationalist tactics to maintain support, feeding on the worst fears of sections of their population. The demise of the ill-fated West Indian Federation is partly attributable to such myopic views and divisive actions, and our post-independence experience has been to try to highlight a false “uniqueness” about each of our mini island-states.

However, the dream has never vanished, and from time to time, hopes are raised as prevailing circumstances give rise to new initiatives at Caribbean unification. Each bout of optimism has in time dissipated into frustration, leaving many of our people either skeptical or downright cynical of any mention of regional integration, especially at the political level. Dare we continue to hope or dream once more?

That question is relevant in light of the latest initiative between leaders of the Windward Islands and Trinidad and Tobago to link these islands all the way through trade and economic integration right up to political unification. It is not the first time that such efforts have been mooted. The older ones among us would remember that it was Trinidad’s Eric Williams who, upon the withdrawal of Jamaica from the West Indies Federation, coined the infamous term “One from ten leaves nought,” thereby dashing hopes for a regional configuration excluding Jamaica.

The idea is certainly an exciting one, but pursuing this goal requires patience, sacrifice and determination to avoid the pitfalls of the past. Above all, it cannot be done from above; mechanisms must be put in place to ensure interaction at the people level and to let the momentum flow from there.

Avoidance of political opportunism is paramount, thus not only governing parties but opposition forces and the broad social and economic sectors are the key to success. Without it, we will but end up with more frustration in achieving our long elusive goal.