Business Monday: C’bean should take bold action

BOLD action is needed from the region. So says Dr. Wendy Grenade.

The Lecturer in Political Science, Department of Government, Sociology and Social Work at the UWI, while speaking last week at the UWI Brexit Symposium, explained, “Brexit does exacerbate the current wave of uncertainty that has categorised the first quarter of the 21st century.

“In response, countries should strengthen their bonds of solidarity, rekindle their collective resolve... The symbolism of Brexit must not be an occasion for reactionary retreat. While crisis are not new, lessons from Brexit must prepare bold action to reenergise and fashion Caribbean regionalism as an indispensable necessity for Caribbean development.”

Dr. Grenade added, “Some have argued that regionalism as we know it has run its course, as the argument goes, CARICOM is meaningless and not relevant to people’s lives.

“In the wake of Brexit, several commentators have called for a similar referendum in certain member states of CARICOM. I do not share that view for a region that has been seasoned through multiple crisis. From my perspective, Brexit does not signal that the sky has fallen, however, this is yet another moment for man’s critical reflection and bold action in the Caribbean on several fronts.”

She asked, “What are some of the implications of Brexit to Caribbean integration? First the symbolism of Brexit to the regional movement… we know the Europe Union has the most advance regional integration scheme in the world. Brexit represents a scale back effect. This is a psychological blow not only for the EU, but other regional integration movements.

“Brexit also brought to the fore the tension between economic integration, human and social development and societal cohesion. In an economic sense, the exercise of democratic right by the citizens of Britain has the potential of spillover effects in other European countries.”

According to her, the achievements of CARICOM and the OECS must be celebrated – we do not sufficiently celebrate our achievements. (NB)