“The moment for Caribbean integration & CARICOM – a new era and regional outlook”

Caribbean Movement for Civil Empowerment

21/08/2011

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Statement by the Caribbean Movement for Civil Empowerment to the newly appointed Secretary General of CARICOM, Mr. Irwin La Rocque

Dear Secretary General La Roque,

Upon assumption of office as Secretary General of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Caribbean Movement for Civil Empowerment (CMCE), a nonpartisan people-centred grouping formed earlier this year to advocate for and seek to advance the regional integration movement in sustainable ways, would like to express our congratulations to you. We certainly recognise that the task before you is a formidable one, in first seeking to complete and implement the review of the bureaucratic machinery of the organisation, moving ahead with the mandate of regional integration, a notion which still remains alive in our consciousness and to which many still remain loyal, but through past actions, or inaction by our leaders, many people of our Community feel a sense of despair. We also understand and bemoan the fact that the regional politics have played a significant role, inimical to deeper engagement and collaboration, especially in terms of implementation of the consensual decisions by leaders.

We are heartened by your stated intentions and genuine commitment, as the Chief Executive Officer of the regional institution to seek to restore some level of confidence and repute, and bring about serious transformation, by bridging this implementation deficit. And by the spirit and and very positive words you expressed in your inaugural message on August 15, 2011, we hope this means the beginning of new moment in regional integration.

We wish to bring to your attention a message that was sent to the 32nd Regular Meeting of the Conference Heads of Government as a result of a symposium on the Future of Regional Integration hosted by the Institute of International Relations, UWI at the end of June this year.

At that meeting, we reaffirmed that the people of the Caribbean view integration as crucial for the region’s prosperity and development; yet they also recognize that the process of integration is in decline and suffering from a failure of leadership.

We had consequently called on the leaders of CARICOM to re-invigorate and re-energise the integration process by taking account of the deeply felt desire for a renewed leadership. Moreover, we called on leaders to digest the recommendations of this public forum, where participants called for the following:

1. Resolve the question of the CARICOM Secretary General by offering the position to someone with gravitas and vision, and who commands the respect of both the Heads of Government and the people of the region.

2. Empower that person to lead a complete overhaul of both the governance structures and the orientation of the CARICOM Secretariat, giving it the legal space to become an implementative institution.

3. A new effort into upgrading communications: a public broadcasting entity which produces content from the region, for the region across radio, TV and the web, informing everyone about their regional brothers and sisters.

4. Leaders should give genuine effect to the 2002 Liliendaal Statement of Principles and implement the CARICOM Charter of Civil Society as a matter of urgency.

5. Decisive action on the question of regional transportation, and especially maritime transportation.

We welcome your appointment and hope that the remaining recommendations will be seriously considered and subsequently implemented. We take note of your express vigour, intended modus operandi and positive approach to regional integration, and the way ahead for CARICOM in the midst of the turmoil and crises in which the region now exists in the wider global context. We also take particular cognizance that your statement made reference to a departure from the “business as usual”, that critical for moving the region forward are governance reform, that the CSME is not on hold, that the use of innovative ways of gaining buy-in from the regional public through use of social media and ICTs is needed and the implementation of the draft strategy for communications.

We certainly take tremendous pride in welcoming you as the 7th Secretary General of the Community. We hope that your tenure is marked by significant achievement and momentum, aligning with the aspirations of Caribbean people. We believe that the real benefits of regional integration can be realised in a sustainable manner, and the potential of the region can be substantially harnessed through focused efforts and genuine collaboration and engagement of all stakeholders, namely governments, civil society, private sector, as well the diasporic communities. In this regard, the Caribbean Movement for Civil Empowerment commits itself to support you as you undertake the difficult task ahead. We have confidence that the legacy will be truly positive, progressive and meaningful and we hereby submit our support in this new era.

Sincerely,

Caribbean Movement for Civil Empowerment

August 17, 2011

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About the CMCE

The CMCE is a people-centred organisation established to advance meaningful regional integration in the Caribbean. It was initiated at the University of the West Indies through collaboration between undergraduate and postgraduate students as well as other instrumental supporters. Reminiscent of past movements which have emerged at this regional university, we are in the business of setting regional integration on a sustainable path, seeking to bring about meaningful change through advocacy, education, collaboration, participation in and the execution of progressive regional initiatives.

Our vision is a dynamic, thriving community of Caribbean people who are committed and empowered through regional integration which fosters greater unity and survival, safeguarding potential economic, social and environmental benefits for a better way of life and sustainable future.

Our Mission is to protect the ideal of regional integration and securing the economic, social and environmental benefits owed to the peoples of CARICOM by countering selfish political interest and weak regional initiatives through public education, engagement and mobilisation.

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