What The Government Should Do On
Caribbean Single Market & Economy
 

Even as the world remains transfixed by the horror of the gut-wrenching loss of life caused by the tsunami, there is still the need to participate in events that affect our daily lives.  It is the natural law of inevitability which propels us into activity day after day whether it be personal, community or national.

There are events which are taking place around us which in varying degrees, affect our present and our future.  As a people we must take responsibility for what occurs in our country and not plead ignorance should the politicians take us down a path which leads to unacceptable conditions.

On the horizon the question of Bahamian membership in the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) looms ever larger and unanswered.

The CSME officially came into existence on January 5, 2005.  The Prime Minister of Jamaica foreshadowed this historical event at the official launch of the book ‘Our Caribbean - an Introduction’.

A very important first step has been taken.  Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago took the lead by implementing all required provisions by December 31, 2004 and were fully CSME compliant by the effective January 2005 date.  ‘The Caribbean Update’ states that “the remaining CARICOM territories will complete the process by December 2005 to enable the region-wide launch of the CSME on January 5, 2006.”

The Bahamas has not committed to membership in CSME but the question is: Where does this leave the Bahamas?

I am a member of the Trade Commission, now inactive, and offer the following views on strictly a personal level.

In my estimation it is a given that for the Bahamas there is an interconnection between CSME, FTAA and WTO.  Some CARICOM leaders strongly advocate that CSME affords CARICOM members the best opportunity for getting concessions within FTAA and WTO which cannot be obtained by “going it alone”.  On the other side there is a strong feeling in the Bahamas that CSME offers very little benefit to our country.

There is considerable uncertainty about CSME membership for the Bahamas.  The Commission's inactivity has diminished Government's capability to obtain assistance in crafting a position which can be presented to the nation.

One thing is for certain; we are running out of time for making a decision on membership in CSME.  If we are to catch up, we simply must accelerate the process or else by year's end we will still be engaged in consensus- building which suite frankly is self-perpetuating unless there is a substantial foundation on which substantive decisions can be made.

Here is what we should be doing:

1. Government, on its own or through the Commission, should prepare a position paper on CSME in which there are crisp and clean recommendations on what the country should do with respect to CSME.
2. Timelines for each stage, of the process such as presentation to Cabinet, presentation of paper to Bahamians, analysis of responses from the country must be established and maintained.
3. Commitment to a 6-8 month programme of consultations with Bahamians throughout the country.
4. Provide the Commission with necessary resources including financial and human to carry out essential work without impediment.

The time has come for the people of the Bahamas to be informed in one document how the country could be affected by full membership in CSME and what is considered to be the best course to adopt.

In this consultative process, complete transparency and integrity are essential in order to obtain the best results.

Let there be no doubt that the decision to be taken by the country with respect to CSME is enormous.  We cannot afford to make a misstep, otherwise we will have to contend with and be tormented by serious consequences in the future.
J. BARRIE FARRINGTON