CARIBBEAN PEOPLE MUST NOT ALLOW THEMSELVES TO BE DIVIDED!
The Federation of Independent Trade Unions and NGOs (FITUN) is extremely disturbed by the developments that have taken place with respect to the issues of the maritime boundaries of Trinidad and Tobago and Barbados and a fishing agreement between these states. FITUN is particularly concerned that the “war” that has exploded at the level of the Governments of both countries has now resulted in a serious deterioration in the relationship between the people of Trinidad and Tobago and the people of Barbados.
For some time now it has been abundantly clear to FITUN that the long delay in settling the fishing agreement was due to there being “more in the mortar than the pestle”. It is now public knowledge that the real issue is that of the delimitation of the maritime boundaries between our respective countries. It is therefore indeed unfortunate that the Barbados government would use the obviously sensitive matter of the flying fish to mobilize national support for a far more complex issue.
We know as well that the relative strength of the Trinidad and Tobago economy has resulted in amongst other things: Barbados importing a very wide range of goods manufactured in Trinidad; Trinidad and Tobago banks and insurance companies almost dominating the Barbadian financial sector; several Barbadian firms and businesses, some of long standing, being bought out by Trinidadian counterparts. Add the flying fish issue and it is easy to see how an anti-T&T sentiment has been fanned into an inferno.
The issue of the delimitation of maritime boundaries is clearly an important one for small island states that share a common sea space. However, it is FITUN’s considered view that settling maritime boundaries is something that should not be beyond our governments, once good sense, a proper understanding of the UN Law of the Sea arrangements, honest and good faith bargaining and a mutual commitment to Caribbean integration are foremost in the minds of the leaders. In this regard, the Caribbean Sea which historically has served to unite us, must not now divide us!
The Governments have to appreciate that any tit-for-tat action in terms of economic and other sanctions will only serve to hurt the citizens of both countries. In this regard, FITUN is concerned with the welfare of the fisher-folk of both Tobago and Barbados, as well as the farmers and workers in Trinidad and Tobago whose livelihoods are being threatened. The point cannot be over-emphasised that the most important issue is the welfare of the citizens of both countries. Prime Ministerial egos must not be allowed to interfere with the well-being of the people, nor should internal political considerations – for example the state of the Barbados economy as is being suggested in many quarters – cause governments to blow an issue out of proportion.
We call on other Caricom Heads of Government to assist in restoring a constructive dialogue between the Governments of Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago. The success or failure in resolving this conflict will determine in large measure whether the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) will ever become a reality. We warn that a breakdown in the regional integration process and the collapse of the CSME will only serve to strengthen the interests of the bigger economies in the hemisphere and assist the U.S. in its aggressive agenda for an FTAA that would consolidate its hegemony.
FITUN believes that too much is at stake for the citizenry of both countries for us to be simply swept up in a wave of narrow nationalism. To this end we shall be communicating with various organizations in Barbados so that all can recognize that in this globalised environment where, as David Rudder sang, “they don’t need islands anymore” we need to strengthen Caribbean unity, not contribute to its fragmentation. Caribbean people must not allow themselves to be divided!
David Abdulah
Interim President