Dear Editor,
As a single geographical unit, the constant intent of the larger Caribbean nations to dominate the psychological space of a bewildered regional public is simply unacceptable.
It is baffling why, even in times of turmoil fueled by escalating wars and widespread pandemic, the Prime Minister and Government of Jamaica would wish to insert their own candidate ( reputedly a citizen of Canada) into the “non-race” for Secretary General of the Commonwealth.
The position, currently held by Dominican-born The Right Honorable The Baroness Patricia Scotland, QC of Antiguan and Barbudan parentage, is NOT “up for grabs “.
In 2016 when the eminently qualified Baroness was voted into office fairly and squarely by the majority of the 54 Commonwealth countries, it was expected that she would serve for two terms (8 years ).
She has executed her role with professionalism and poise, advancing the progress of many nations through dialogue and direction.
She is overwhelmingly supported by the Caricom (Caribbean Community) member states . The more informed and rational leaders have expressed their content with the work that Baroness Scotland continues to do.
As a Jamaican, the attitude of my government can only be described as embarrassing . While we all understand the craving for total independence , and while many comprehend the meaning behind the call for reparations , the blatant effort of the Jamaican Prime Minister to berate the Queen’s representatives , the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge , on their recent state visit to Jamaica was totally undignified and unnecessary.
If the Honorable Prime Minister felt so strongly about the significance (or lack thereof) of the Royal visit , it was his prerogative to decline at the time that initial letters of intent were exchanged . The proud figurative beating of his chest was a clarion call for political attention . Further , it is paradoxical that Hon .Andrew Holness should wish to proffer a candidate for a position within an organization headed by none other than HM Queen Elizabeth ll !
The Jamaica Observer of today ‘s date reports Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister , the Honorable Gaston Browne , as saying : “I think Jamaica’s proposed candidate for Commonwealth Secretary General is a monumental error , which could only serve to divide the Caribbean .” Well said , Mr. Prime Minister . I can safely assume that other Caribbean luminaries like the Hon. Mia Mottley (Barbados) and the Hon. Roosevelt Skerritt (Dominica) would agree with you wholeheartedly.
From my observation, Baroness Scotland has played fair ball — highlighting issues which affect all nations of the Commonwealth. For her, each state is equally as important. She knocks on the doors of all countries and continents . But if the overall situation is assessed, it appears that the “Big Boys” like the United Kingdom and Canada have introduced subtle bullying tactics. These powerful nations are continuously attempting to rid the Commonwealth of a leader that they regard to be excessively in favour of the smaller, more fragile island developing states . Is their latest seeming support of Jamaica’s newly-announced, freshly-minted candidate another case of divide and rule ?
In this life, will we ever come to terms with fairness, equity and peace? Will we forever be striving to short-change and trample upon each other? Will the political back-biting and character brutalization ever stop ? There is little wonder that we find ourselves in a world wounded by human greed and ambition.
Well said, Prime Minister Gaston Browne. “Our consensus decisions should never be broken without overwhelming cause; that will not undermine the unity of our integration movement or violate the treaty provisions”. It is expected that other Caribbean Heads of Government will voice their public support for the Baroness in short order.
If we cannot stand together, then we will fall apart .
Yours truly ,
- Daniel
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She has a terrible track record. Gave out millions to her friends called patronage. Commonwealth was so bankrupt that the Queen personally stepped in and removed her from her duties. Let’s not even bring Skerritt into the picture. That’s another story of gross corruption that has attractednthe attention of USA authorities
The old boys club just cannot manage independent women at the top. They are hoping that this Jamaican/Canadian replacing the Dominican/Antiguan/British will take heed and humble to them!
Good luck with that & Shame on Jamaica!
Roosevelt Skerritt and Gaston Browne,how is Choksi doing? It is a damn good thing the Aircraft had an issue.
Well you know, Jamaicans think they are big, so when it comes to anything involving the Caribbean islands, they must be at the head. Don’t forget they said they could never have a federation with paupers, and the cartoon of the big sow, Jamaica nursing the piglets, the smaller Caribbean islands. Now look how many Jamaicans are flocking to the smaller Caribbean islands to look work that doesn’t exist in Jamaica. Good thing the federation mash up so the smaller Caribbean islands can breath.
Gaston you are rushing to give Jamaicans residency to vote for you, but I doubt they are taking out any small island citizenship. They will take all they can get and send their money back to Jamaica.
Thought Jamaica wanted to be a Republic so why do they want a Jamaican to be Secretary General of the Commonwealth?
Anyway we know the Jamaican prime minister has no class, telling the queen’s grandson and his wife that Jamaica wants to be a republic.
Shame on Jamaica for trying to divide Caricom.
From the pen of Sir Sir.
Hello Sir Saunders. Sit this one out.
You’re not qualified to be in this until you tell us about IHI.
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