PM Denzil Douglas: Caribbean leadership by example
The Caribbean region is not notorious for principles and or values – whether religious or political dictatorships, but the plurality or plethora of mixed society. One questions, where the Caribbean draws its strength from in dealing with the socio-economic problems it faces? The question is being asked in light of the economic challenges which currently […]
Planning beyond Hugo Chavez
Hugo Chavez, the populist leader of Venezuela, could not turn-up on January 10 for his swearing-in ceremony as President for a fourth consecutive term. Quite naturally, the doubt that this has created over the governance of Venezuela has thrown the country into turmoil. It has also caused alarm among Caribbean governments that have become dependent […]
Diplomats underutilised or unused by CARICOM
This year there will be lots of diplomatic challenges facing Caribbean countries, but are they equipped to do so? First, there are the issues concerning the regional organisations of CARICOM and the OECS. As my mentor Sir Ronald Sanders rightly pointed out in his article last week, Caribbean Governments are not utilising the benefits of […]
The View from Europe: Some uncomfortable truths for 2013
A short while ago the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel challenged the way in which Europeans think about the world and what they have come to expect from their governments. “All of us have to stop spending more than we earn every year”, she told the Financial Times. “If Europe today accounts for just over 7 […]
Africa Meets the Caribbean – Trade Mission
Priority Group International through its United Kingdom affiliate and Social enterprise, Caribbean Enterprise Network (CENUK) have embarked on a trade mission to Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago from January 20th to 29th 2013. Comprising 2 Nigerian companies and four British companies this mission is endorsed by Jamaica Promotions Corporation (JAMPRO) and Trinidad & Tobago’s (InvesTT). […]
High Commissioner Ruth E. Rouse makes Grenada proud
High Commissioner for Grenada to the Court of St James’s, Her Excellency Ruth Elizabeth Rouse, has recently been nominated for a Diplomatic Initiative Award. CaribDirect.com caught up with the busy diplomat, who was stunned and flattered by the notion of being nominated for what she enjoys and does naturally. Ms Rouse made it clear she […]
2013 –CARICOM irrelevant or essential?
The curtain rolls down on 2012 with the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) institutionally weak and its 15 member governments doing little more than paying lip service to the process of economic integration. It seems that the only reason that several governments do not declare CARICOM irrelevant and walk away from it is that […]
Caribbean Sports Academy will allow ALL sports a chance at success
The London Olympic Games was the stand out sporting occasion of 2012 and at first glance the CARICOM countries did very well. However, closer scrutiny of the results show areas of great concern for the future of sports in the region. Caribbean success was limited to track and field and medals were won by only […]
Why ignore Cuba’s welcome mat?
Cuba has long been an economic, trade and investment opportunity that has been neglected by the 15-nation Caribbean Community (CARICOM) countries. This neglect could become a matter of grave regret as Cuba continues to open up its economy to other countries and groups of countries, for by the time businesses in the CARICOM countries wake […]
WHY COME BACK: The Irrelevance of Geography
After half a life of caring for everyone but herself, an exhausted wife may well contemplate running away from home. A mid-life businessman – mortgage paid, kids finished school, some money saved – might think of relocating to a future rich with guiltless possibilities. But for the children of the Diaspora, where to live is […]