Brexit puts survival of integration into focus

St. Lucia’s new Prime Minister, the Hon. Allen Chastanet, believes the recent referendum that voted for Britain to exit the European Union has put the survival of integration into focus.

 

“People are once again asking what is in it for me and my country,” he told the 37th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community.

 

“What if our people ask for such a referendum? Are we certain of their response? Have we done enough to create that connection between our people and the community? Why are we so afraid to do more with an organisation that has demonstrated that we can punch above our weight in the international arena? If we are an organisation whose essence is a better life for the whole, then let our decisions legitimately reflect that principle.”

 

According to Chastanet, the promise of regional integration is “slowly starting to put some flesh on our bones in some areas”. He also told the Heads that their leadership in getting recognition for all Small Island Developing States has received global attention.

 

“We were deeply involved in the development of the sustainable development goals. Our HIV and NCDC’s campaigns have received accolades. We now have CARICOM nationals at the head of the Commonwealth, the ACP, the ACS, the CDB, CARICOM and the OECS. We make contributions in all forms to these organisations. How can they benefit our region? I say let them have a focused discussion with us. Let us be more strategic in our engagement with these organisations.

 

“I note that we now have women at the head of the Commonwealth and the ACS. We need to applaud Baroness (Patricia) Scotland and Ambassador (June) Soomer. It is momentous and we are very proud of their achievements. It is however sad that we are taking so long to achieve equality for women, especially when all the statistics show that they are better educated and from my experience with my mother and my wife, better managers. Let us consciously review the structures that hinder their equality,” he expressed.

 

Chastanet also observed that their membership in regional and international organisations and relationship with third parties must also reflect their own commitment to democracy and human rights.

 

“These two issues are not synonymous,” he stated, further pointing out, “We must never be afraid to ask questions of our organisations, our allies and those who seek to be our friends. We have a right as post-colonial countries to insist that citizens of all countries are treated humanely.” (TL)