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By Craig Flermius
In the Caribbean, the interplay between national sovereignty and regional unity is a delicate balance.
Leaders must navigate their own countries’ interests while respecting the collaborative spirit of CARICOM.
It is often said that all is fair in love and war, but a third dimension is often added to include politics.
While on the face of it this might appear to be true, there are still boundaries and unwritten rules that are always observed and respected.
In our Caribbean, the place that we love and call home despite our points of origin, the relationships between nations are not merely political or economic; they are more than geographical, they are woven into the social and cultural fabric of the region.
As such, the responsibility of our leaders is paramount in forging and preserving our Caribbean civilization, as we share common and inextricable bonds as an evolving people.
Within this context it is vital that leaders, whether elected, appointed or simply aspiring to take up public office, adhere to the highest standards of mutual respect even when in disagreement.
Very recently, thousands of viewers and listeners across the region and beyond would have had the inexplicable and unfortunate experience of hearing the unsophisticated rants of a formerly elected member of Parliament in Trinidad and Tobago who, despite his most valiant efforts and pleas, was not considered a viable option as a candidate in that country’s last general elections.
Notwithstanding, his loyalty and uncanny ability to tongue polish afforded him the reward of a senatorial appointment and a share of a ministerial appointment. Kudos to loyalty and confidence.
Nonetheless, we must explore why leaders like Senator Anil Roberts of Trinidad and Tobago, who openly berated other Caribbean prime ministers, must be cautious about the broader impact of their words.
As a sitting Senator and Minister of government, Anil Roberts, a Member of Parliament in Trinidad and Tobago, has utilized his public platform to voice strong criticism of other CARICOM leaders.
He has even gone as far as calling them out by name in what appears to be an attempt to discredit or possibly harm their political fortunes.
Even more troubling is Anil Roberts, without any factual basis, miming certain incendiary rhetoric and accusing certain CARICOM Prime Ministers of supporting “narco-terrorists”.
Notably, he has done so with impunity and without any apparent censure from his own Prime Minister, Kamla Persad-Bissessar.
While freedom of speech is a valued principle, the unchecked public attack of fellow leaders can have deeper implications for regional unity.
CARICOM, as a collective of Caribbean states, has always thrived on mutual respect and collaboration and the ideal of a oneness as a people.
When those in leadership positions and influence openly disparage others, it risks not just diplomatic friction, but also economic and socio-cultural strains.
CARICOM’s integration efforts rely heavily on the solidarity of its members, and divisive rhetoric can not only undermine but also rupture that solidarity.
Leaders in the Caribbean bear a duty not just to their electorate but to the wider regional community. It is crucial that they engage in healthy and constructive discourse that fosters unity rather than division.
A perfect example is the response to certain pronouncements in the media regarding the role of CARICOM.
In that response, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Hon. Gaston Browne, was not only able to debunk unfounded assertions about CARICOM and its member states but was also able to bring a sense of awareness and enlightenment to shape the perspectives and understanding of the role of CARICOM and the process of its socio-economic and historical role, as well as the value of the integration movement, thus proving that mutual respect and constructive dialogue will always bring us closer together rather than keep us apart.
In this light, the kind of public caustic excoriation displayed by Anil Roberts should be firmly and decisively repudiated to preserve the integrity, collegiality, and comity of CARICOM.
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Kudos to the writer Craig Flermius for highlighting the disrespectful wordplay by some Caricom politicians across the Caribbean region.
However, I would go even further and highlight the internal disrespect at home as well. Especially here in Antigua & Barbuda 🇦🇬
Here we currently have a Prime Minister that in the past has castigated and threatened to punch an independent member of parliament whilst both out canvassing for votes.
Furthermore, female opposition members have been ridiculed for their looks – and even their feet/toenails; and even worse, trying to initiate the arrest ofcan opposing leader for pure nonsense, when Antigua’s crime rates are threatening to get out of control and a waste of our – already stretched – police resources.
The disrespect by the PM continues to this day.
Political standards must be raised not only in the Caribbean region, but internally as well.
Again, what are these people looking, attention?
Stop beating this dead horse.
GB has simply failed his people.He got caught with his pants down, plain and simple.
He got caught trying to be sneaky, when he was warned and asked to pick a side,
Maduro or the US interest.
Regardless of how many feel about Trump, if you ask Americans about how they feel about Maduro and his regime, 90% will be honest and tell you that he has to go, whether Democrats or Republicans. All independent thinkers like myself, will tell you straight to your face that any person/leader who suppress the rights of people, not just talk talk like Trump does,but actually suppressed and persecute freedoms of the press and citizens, must be removed.
So stop all this foolishness about GB as being some great leader. He failed miserably, and for the entire world to see at that. Now he’s trying to attack the innocent as usual.
He’s the one who got Antigua on that list, because he doesn’t listen.
Pick a damn side (openly) and move on.
That’s what the PM of T&T did, and she will go down in history as a shrewd leader, unlike GB who coward and hide.
To stand against the US, regardless if you like Trump or not, does not sit well for any carribean island, and that’s coming from the American public itself, not just Trump.
So terrible move.
And again, it’s well and good for Russia,China, Iran or anyone else to oppose the US, but we as small neighbors don’t have that luxury, and this dumb PM should have known that, but he got caught up in his feelings, and was possibly listening to the Chinese and his corrupt Nigerian friends, raising their fist, shouting, yeah yeah, ef America ef America.
Just dumb.
Leadership, is about influencing and guiding others towards a common goal. It’s not just about being in charge, it’s about empowering others, making tough decisions, and taking responsibility. Not about self and self enrichment for one’s self and one’s family.
That said the T&T leader is clearly lacking in diplomacy.
While the meaningless arguments get geated and hotter. Every “want to be” intellectual has something to say. Most of it irrelevant to the current situation.
The escalating standoff between the US and Venezuela has led to both countries militaries to jam navigation signals in the Caribbean to guard against potential attacks, putting air and sea traffic in the region at greater risk of a collision or accident.
Responsible leadership isn’t about who can shout the loudest or score points online. It’s about knowing when to cool things down instead of lighting more fires. Right now, too many leaders seem more focused on winning the moment than protecting the country in the long run, and that’s scary.
I’ve learnt a long time ago that whilst in parliament a government officlal can say whatever they want about who ever they want and can’t be held accountable outside of the chamber. I personally was at the receiving end of the immunity for what’s allowed to be said in parliament. If you want to change the rules then lobby for the existing laws to be amended. You singling out one parliamentarian is not being prudent either. Two wrongs don’t make a right.
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