A lack of free movement between member states, the irregular allocation of regional project funds, and high annual contributions are among Premier Reuben Meade’s key concerns about CARICOM.
Montserrat’s leader spoke candidly during his address at the opening ceremony of the 48th Caribbean Community (CARICOM) heads of government meeting in Barbados on Wednesday, 19 February.
He questioned the effectiveness and value of the regional institution and urged members to reassess whether its various entities are fulfilling their original objectives.
“If they are not, now is the time to rethink those organisations to make them more meaningful. The ones that are no longer relevant, should be amputated now,” he said.
Founded to foster economic integration, cooperation and development among Caribbean nations, CARICOM’s membership includes 15 member states and five associated members.
Free movement
Meade began his speech by questioning the level of free movement between its 15 member states which he said had been agreed by CARICOM “many years ago”.
He added that they had also agreed that residents could use of their national driver’s licences to drive in any member state, but this again has not been made possible by some leaders.
The premier also said that citizens should not be overburdened with paperwork at airports and that some processes should be automated.
He went on to question why airport taxes are so high, making it expensive to travel around the region
“Free movement of our people – let’s make it as free as possible,” he said.
Financial allocation
Meade told attendees at the meeting that Montserrat is often excluded from CARICOM’s regional project funds despite being “fully paid up”.
“Every effort should be made to ensure that all – and I repeat – all member states can participate in all of these regional projects,” he said.
He mentioned that at the end of this year, Montserrat is expected to be removed from the global list of countries and territories eligible for official development assistance.
The premier suggested that gross national income should not be used as a international benchmark and instead the vulnerability index should be used because of the high risk of devastating hurricanes.
He added that annual contributions to CARICOM are becoming increasingly difficult to satisfy for many members states and each is forced to question the value received.
Potential change
Meade asked if members of CARICOM can say that the institution works for them or is understood by the general public.
“We do need to make decisions and implement them within the agreed timelines,” he stressed.
“However, in order for us to be in a position to do so, it is time for us examine and review the institutions and organs of CARICOM.”
He said that CARICOM has the capacity to carry out reviews with regional resources without external donor funding.
Meade suggested that any entity of CARICOM that is not meeting its objective should be abandoned.
“I trust that my statement is taken in the spirit in which it was made, but truly, our people in the community should not be questioning the purpose and value of an organisation such as CARICOM.
“Definitely not after 50 years.”
Watch the opening ceremony in full below:
