Don’t panic, says Inniss

 

CARICOM countries need not see Britain’s intended exit from the European Union as a problem, but rather they should view it as an opportunity.
 
Industry, International Business, Commerce and Small Business Development Minister, Donville Inniss, made the comments on Sunday evening at the headquarters of the Barbados Water Authority, where the opening ceremony of the 28th Council Meeting and 14th Convention of the Caribbean Association of Administrative Professionals (CAAP) took place.
 
Drawing on the theme of the meetings, ‘Transitioning Through Partnerships – One People, One Region’, Inniss chided regional politicians who have been flustered in the aftermath of the June 23 Brexit vote and have been talking about pos-sibly leaving CARICOM. Contending that there is more that unites us than divides us in the Caribbean, Inniss said that instead of making veiled threats about dismantling the 15-member grouping, CARICOM countries must find ways of working together.
 
“We seem to somewhat want to start to panic because of something the former colonial master has done. We need to start being more in control of our destiny and stop reacting to what others have done. While there are others who panic and start to get very pessimistic about Brexit and start behaving as though it is all doom and gloom to the world and to the Caribbean region, see the opportunities,” he maintained.
 
He continued, “We really and truly need to stop panicking in this region; we need to stay focused. There are opportunities that come when we work together as a region. CARICOM is not a failure. I’ve been very critical of CARICOM in terms of its structure and administration over the years, but I’m a firm believer in CARICOM. I believe it can work.”
 
Inniss, admitting that he was surprised by the outcome of the referendum in Britain, said that while it may be tough for that country going forward, the recent decision could spell fortune for CARICOM, as more persons may see the region as a safe and stable place they want to visit and even invest.
 
“Yes there are those because of the fall in the value of the pound sterling who would perhaps postpone some holidays or not come as long as they want to, but there are also those in Europe who may no longer feel that London is the place to go on holiday and they would come to Barbados. There are those who would feel that maybe London is no longer to them the financial capital of the world, and they’ll come to a safe haven like the Caribbean to do their business,” he added.
 
The International Business Minister acknowledged that it could take some time to capitalise on the potential opportunities, but maintained that moving forward the region needed to be more positive in its approach. (JRT)

Barbados Advocate

Mailing Address:
Advocate Publishers (2000) Inc
Fontabelle, St. Michael, Barbados

Phone: (246) 467-2000
Fax: (246) 434-2020 / (246) 434-1000