Election referendum on CARICOM, T&T

Ronald Mason, Guest Columnist

Trinidad and Tobago, the twin-island republic with approximately 1.3 million people, is at it again. It's once again treating the people of Jamaica with what amounts to disdain. Again, T&T displays an attitude of disregard in a series of put-downs going back to at least the natural gas and aluminium smelter fiascos.

There has been a history of this behaviour from Trinidad. However, the Trinidadians present no surprise with the latest immigration matter regarding the 13 Jamaican citizens denied entry in contravention of the procedures emanating from the recent Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) ruling in the Shanique Myrie case.

Let us examine the Trinidadian society and population interaction. There is a major divide in the population. The two main blocs of persons are of Indian and African descent. There is very little love between them. They have separate public holidays, political parties, areas of residence, and cultural habits.

Go to the pan yard and count the minuscule East Indian population. Go to the Diwali festival and note the absence of Afro-Trinidadians. Listen to the derogatory reference to 'dougla'. He or she will be of East Indian and African ancestry. Neither population bloc is welcoming of such a person.

How then can we, Jamaicans, of overwhelming African descent - more than 90 per cent - expect respect, much more acceptance, by a political administration in Trinidad which is dominated by East Indians? Not even black Jack Warner could survive this tokenism.

Caribbean integration

In Jamaica, we have the legacy on Caribbean integration espoused by the late Norman Manley. He dreamt and had visions. They have evolved into nightmares, yet the People's National Party (PNP) bows stubbornly to them. How could they now repudiate the 'wisdom' of Norman Manley?

The Jamaican people have spoken. Federation, no; Jamaica, yes. The PNP still fights the Federation (now CARICOM) battle. This is not because we have much in common, but it is perceived to enable some small island politician the puffed-up status of speaking for, and on behalf of, 15 nations. These nations whose populations range from under 6,000 in Montserrat to 2.7 million in Jamaica, with 1.3 million in Trinidad and 300,000 in Barbados.

Through CARICOM, we seek to integrate economies which are far from efficient. We would best do that within other regional blocs. We integrate because we would be the 2.7-million person big fish in this Caribbean pond. 'Mother' Europe only wants to speak once, not 15 times, and will bleat about the success of the European Union. Not that the EU is dominated by Germany and that the UK may very well leave. Even Scotland seeks independence for the near future.

The PNP continues to push for the adoption of the CCJ as a final court of appeal. Thanks for the undated letters of resignation from the JLP senators. Gratefully, the CCJ, as the final appellate jurisdiction, is not going to happen anytime soon, as there might not be an adoption without a referendum where it is likely to be rejected.

Jamaicans take pride in their ability to decide for themselves. The PNP is having nightmares at the thought of a referendum. Let us look at what action can be taken.

There is a certainty that a general election for Parliament is scheduled for December 2016. As a country, we have a proud tradition of staging regular elections and respecting the decision of the ballot. The upcoming election gives us the time to organise, plan, strategise and implement, as a tangent to the poll, a recording of the people's voice regarding CARICOM. Make Jamaicans' place in CARICOM the de facto issue in the next election.

Take a moment and reflect

I challenge like-minded persons to reflect on the imposition of the CARICOM passport in place of the Jamaican passport. The treatment of our nationals by Barbados and Trinidad, most recently, and the near US$1-billion trade deficit with Trinidad.

Do not miss this opportunity to let our opinions be heard. The PNP cannot stop us from making the upcoming general election into a de facto referendum. Resolve this issue once and for all. Stand on our own two feet.

I am not prepared to give up one iota of sovereignty in return for CARICOM-ness. The whole premise of CARICOM revolves around integration. No way! I will push for Jamaicans to be heard. I will abide by their verdict.

The new-found impetus for a boycott of Trinidad imports is to be supported. We are their second largest market. They enjoy a large trade surplus with us and we can make a statement. Substitutes can be had - for both Trinidadian and Jamaican publics.

So this rubbish by the Trinidadian manufacturers' association about 5,000 jobs in Jamaica at risk is just that: rubbish. Substitutes can be had from India, the Dominican Republic, China, Thailand, Vietnam, Brazil, USA. You also neglect the fact that over time, Jamaican manufacturers, with reasonable energy cost, can fill this void.

Sacrifice to build a nation. My nationalism and pride are worth something. Boycott, yes!

Ronald Mason is an immigration attorney, mediator and talk-show host. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and nationsagenda@gmail.com.