By Clarence E Pilgrim
It has been well over a decade since the West Indian commission recommended the creation of a civil society charter for the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
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| Clarence E Pilgrim |
The enlightened articles, which have become a standard document of reference for signatory states, continue to endure the test of time with each succeeding challenge that is faced by a changing Caribbean in a dynamic sea of world events.
This year is the 26th Anniversary of the founding of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States, a subset of CARICOM. The grouping's leaders has begun charting a course which may lead to an eventual economic union, and by extension deepening the CARICOM integration process. This obviously have an array of possibilities which are exciting and challenging.
Just recently the removal of two journalist from Antigua and Barbuda, a member of both OECS and CARICOM, has sparked lively debates on just to what extent the mechanisms of the freedom of movement within the CARICOM territories was affected .
It appears that a number of Caribbean countries now have a legislative base that allows for free movement of media and other specific categories of workers within the region. However in examining this context, Antigua and Barbuda is one of those countries still to update its law in accordance with the existing intent and purpose of the relevant treaty.
At difficult moments like these which calls for an opinion, I like to refer back to documents like the civil society charter for some direction. The charters says under Article VIII – Freedom of Expression and Access to Information:-
1. Every person shall have the right to the enjoyment of freedom of expression including the right to:
(a) hold opinions and to receive and communicate ideas and information without interference and freely to send or receive communications by correspondence or other means;
(b) seek, distribute or disseminate to other persons and the public information, opinions, and ideas in any form whatever.
2. The right conferred by paragraph 1 of this Article shall also be enjoyed by the media.
3. The exercise of the right conferred by this Article carries with it special duties and responsibilities and may be exercisable subject to such reasonable restrictions in the public interest, as may be imposed by law and are justifiable in a democratic society:
(a) for the protection of the reputations, rights and freedoms of other persons; or
(b) in the interest of defense, public safety, public order, public morality or public health.
4. The States shall respect, encourage and promote the existence of a diversity of sources of information as a means of ensuring greater public access to information.
5. This Article shall not be construed as preventing the State from requiring the licensing of broadcasting, transmission or other means of communication, public exhibition or public entertainment
CARICOM has yet to deliver the end-product of the CSME. It therefore continues to be the prerogative of all nations or economic blocs to pursue their own interests and to utilize the best tools which are effective in securing them.
Looking at this situation from a logical perspective, with an eye on solution rather than on naming and blaming, I would like to suggest that everyone involved in the recent removals, should enter into a "cooling off" period, followed by constructive dialogue. Since this has become a regional issue with implications affecting all governments, I would like to suggest that an independent arbitrator recruited by either the CARICOM or OECS secretariat, be quickly appointed with an appropriate terms of reference. This may ensure a speedy settlement to what has become a matter of legitimate concern. I am confident that with some effort, all sides can arrive at a solution, either amicable or livable.
This situation must be used as a learning experience for all CARICOM, with the opportunities for fine-tuning and innovative intervention, which is the key to forward propulsion as it relates to the full implementation of freedom of movement for all Caribbean citizens.
The fact is that with the coming of a new dispensation of closer Caribbean linkages, there will always be issues which demand immediate attention. It is how we manage these issues as governments, professionals and civil society generally, that will determine the strength or weakness of the proposed Integration drive and structure . These are the tests which will determine if we get a passing grade of success or go the way of the failed West Indian Federation.
Clarence E Pilgrim, is an enviromentalist, advocate for human rights, educator, a senior officer in the Antigua & Barbuda Civil service and volunteer for various non-profit organisations. His pen and speeches are consistent platforms for Caribbean Integration, social policy issues, enviornmental protection, development of alternative energy and the careful management of our natural resources. |
