MISTRUST AND INTOLERANCE THE DEADLIEST DISEASE IN THE CARIBBEAN by Sara Piango https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy en-us 2019-11-29 16:55:51 UTC 2026-02-19 17:05:57 UTC hello@padlet.com The Caribbean today is characterized by grave intolerance and mistrust at all levels sarapiango868 https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417812105 In this blog we will be exploring the roots of mistrust and intolerance within the region.
We start by looking at the first attempt to integrate and achieve a higher standard of living within the Caribbean through the formation of The West Indian Federation and the organizations that followed in attempt to bring about political and economic integration. ]]> 2019-11-29 17:11:54 UTC https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417812105 OBJECTIVES OF CARIFTA sarapiango868 https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417816222 1.Promote free trade among its members by removing all restrictions to the free flow of goods produced and traded within the region.
2.Increase the quantity and variety of goods and services produced for intra-regional trade
3.Give all members an equal opportunity to develop; for example, the CARIFTA agreement made special provisions to promote the development of the less economically developed countries by promoting the development of industries

]]> 2019-11-29 17:36:05 UTC https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417816222 ROOTS OF INTOLERANCE sarapiango868 https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417817560 Intolerance is defined as the unwillingness to accept views, beliefs or behaviour that differs from one’s own (oxford dictionary)
Regional integration refers to the unification of Caribbean states through economic agreements which provide free trade between them by the removal of trade barriers as well as working together to achieve certain economic objectives which make the region better off. 
The Caribbean has a long history of unwillingness to accept each other’s views. This can be seen throughout history from the various failed attempts to integrate as a region. The common history of slavery, colonization and the geographic locations of the islands prompted the integration of the islands which have materialized into several failed organizations such as the West Indian Federation. 

]]> 2019-11-29 17:43:26 UTC https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417817560 WEST INDIAN FEDERATION DEMISE sarapiango868 https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417840090  In 1961 Jamaica, the largest financial contributor at the time decided to pursue independence alone giving rise to the dissolution of the federation. After Jamaica left the federation, Dr. Eric Williams former Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago stated “One from ten leaves nought” signifying that the ability of the federation to be successful was no longer attainable with one of the major economically developed state leaving. The failure of the federation in 1962 almost seems as a foreshadowing of the fate of the region as many attempts to integration were formed through organizations such as CARIFTA, ACS and CARIFORUM, OECS, CSME and CARICOM. Although the disbanding of the West Indian Federation occurred, the desire for unity did not die. ]]> 2019-11-29 19:56:47 UTC https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417840090 REGIONAL INTEGRATION ATTEMPT 2.0 sarapiango868 https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417852337 After the federation ended many islands received independence and decided to engage in economic integration to develop the Caribbean and improve the poor social and economic conditions that were prevalent then. 

CARIFTA initiated in 1965 by the political leaders of Guyana, Barbados and Antigua was the second attempt at economic viability modeled on the European Free Trade Association, the members were divided into two categories based on their level of development. The more developed countries were those which had more infrastructure and more competitive industries as well as exploitable resources such as Barbados Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. In comparison the less developed countries were those primarily focused on agriculture. 
]]> 2019-11-29 21:35:56 UTC https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417852337 WEST INDIAN FEDERATION 1ST ATTEMPT AT REGIONAL INTEGRATION sarapiango868 https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417857986 The West Indian Federation formed in 1958 was the first attempt to unite the British Caribbean and create regional integration as a means of achieving sovereignty. It represented the dreams and desires of the people to free themselves from British governance and reclaim their Caribbean identity. The inevitable dissolution of the federation was due to the insular mindset of each island. Under colonization different islands became more economically developed than others which created an advantage giving more power to islands with a greater financial contribution. This created mistrust among the states as Trinidad and Tobago and Jamaica seemed to be more superior than the others leaving them feeling neglected and inferior. It hindered the development of a customs union and federal government which encouraged the limited interaction between the member states. The changes that were so greatly anticipated by the region did not occur as the narrow minded perspective triumphed. In the link attached more information on the West Indian Federation can be obtained.]]> 2019-11-29 22:30:57 UTC https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417857986 REGIONAL INTEGRATION sarapiango868 https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417863326 The other organizations that followed the demise of CARIFTA were ACS (The Association of Caribbean States), CARIFORUM, OECS (Organization of Eastern Caribbean States), the Caribbean Common Market, The Caribbean Single Market and CARICOM. Regional Integration remains a goal of the Caribbean however the Caribbean leaders and governments must overcome their insular mindset and operate as a united region. The people of the islands also share a mindset of looking out oneself rather than the rest of the Caribbean. Instead of uniting the Caribbean has worked against one another hindering integration.


]]> 2019-11-29 23:28:52 UTC https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417863326 THE EFFECTS OF FAILURE TO INTEGRATE sarapiango868 https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417864184 The other organizations formed aimed to fix the problems that the previous ones could not however, new rules of international trade between countries led to the failure of the Caribbean Common Market. The Caribbean was forced to open their markets to foreign imports as preferential trade agreements were gradually being phased out. This created havoc amongst the regional markets as Caribbean producers now had to compete with more efficient producers from the United States of America and Europe making it harder for them to gain profits from their hard work. This can be seen in the documentary Life and Debt which shows the impact of the ending of the preferential trade agreement in Jamaica as farmers who produced bananas, sugar and milk were forced to throw away their produce as they could not compete with the imported goods. To this day the regional market remains at risk from foreign competition as the people of the Caribbean have developed the “foreign is better” mentality. 


]]> 2019-11-29 23:37:36 UTC https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417864184 sarapiango868 https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417864463 The limitations of the Caribbean Market all lead back to the implementation of the policies. The organizations all failed to be successful as upholding agreements were not taken seriously by the countries. This is the pinnacle of intolerance and mistrust with the region as integration could only be truly successful if the members are willing to see each other as “one”.  In 1976 Forbes Burnham the first prime minister of Guyana gave the Caribbean the following stern warning “We integrate, or we perish” 

]]> 2019-11-29 23:40:41 UTC https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417864463 CONFLICT DUE TO THE LACK OF REGIONAL INTEGRATION sarapiango868 https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417864557 National interest have taken precedence over CARICOM's which has created conflict between what some countries and what membership in CARICOM allows them to do . The absence of a Caribbean passport has long prevented the establishment of businesses and the movement of capital and labour. The negative stigma attached to persons moving between islands and working creates fear among citizens. The fear of regional migrants taking national jobs is a main source of conflict. Illegal immigrants are also benefiting from social services without contributing which in turn creates a strain on services making it harder for nationals to access them. In the Guardian approximately 30,000 illegal immigrants from Jamaica, St.Lucia, St.Vincent and the Grenadines, Guyana and other Caribbean countries are working and living in T&T benefiting without paying taxes. 

]]> 2019-11-29 23:41:40 UTC https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417864557 MISTRUST STIRRING WITHIN THE REGION sarapiango868 https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417866217 The lack of a CARICOM passport has led to many problems with regional migrants entering countries. Many of these migrants face obstacles when they attempt to enter causing a distaste to form between the islands. This is evident in the recent mishap with 13 Jamaican nationals being denied entry into Trinidad and Tobago. In an article written by Rhondor Dowlat the Jamaican nationals reported that they were subjected to bad treatment and traumatized from the incident. An investigation was conducted by the Ministry of National Security which showed that the Jamaican nationals spent an unnecessary amount of time before their repatriation. The lack of integration is dominant here as Trinidad and Tobago's immigration act states that "Entry into T&T for Caricom nationals under the Caricom Single Market Economy (CSME) and the Declaration of Single Market Readiness is not guaranteed. The mistreatment of the Jamaican nationals caused an angry reaction from Jamaica's business groups and citizens who utilized social media platforms to veto goods from Trinidad and Tobago and Carnival festivities to injure the economy. ]]> 2019-11-30 00:01:51 UTC https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417866217 CONSEQUENCE OF LACK OF REGIONAL INTEGRATION sarapiango868 https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417871576 The need to negotiate with the rest of the world as a group /Vulnerability to economic shocks which originate from outside the region- Many may view integration as a dream as the Caribbean has failed to unite and stand up for ourselves against foreign organizations. For example, the International Monetary Fund a known “foe” to Caribbean islands have altered the fabric of the economy within the region especially within Haiti and Jamaica. Jamaica borrowed funds from the international monetary fund with the aim to improve the standard of living for its people however it resulted in a large debt to be repaid and the altering of the culture with globalization taking precedence over the nation. The International Monetary Fund implemented Structural Adjustment Programmes that forever changed the society in Jamaica. The establishment of the free trade area also caused great damage to Jamaica’s economy and its citizens as large multinational companies such as Hanes and Tommy Hilfiger took advantage of the large labour force and treated them poorly with poor working conditions and insufficient pay. The recession within Jamaica was a direct result of failure to integrate as they became vulnerable to globalization.

]]> 2019-11-30 01:15:50 UTC https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417871576 CHALLENGES WITH INTEGRATION sarapiango868 https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417872264 The lack of integration has produced many challenges with the Caribbean in areas of social justice for example. The Privy Council remains the main decision maker although the Caribbean has established a Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) in 2001. This shows the lack of faith and trust within our own systems as we still look to the colonizers for the final appeal and justification. The CCJ an arm of CARICOM has been deemed as useless by the Jamaican JLP political party. Andrew Holness the leader at the time suggested in 2016 that Jamaica create its own final court as CARICOM policies can impede the needs of the nation. ]]> 2019-11-30 01:24:34 UTC https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417872264 CHALLENGES CONTINUED sarapiango868 https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417874171 The balance of trade deficits between states have also been a challenge as some states export more goods into other countries than they allowed in. An example of this intolerance can be seen in the relationship between Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. Over the years Jamaicans have felt depreciated as they feel the Trinbagonian government restricted the flow of Jamaican goods into Trinidad while Trinidadian manufactured products have almost zero policy restrictions preventing from reaching Jamaican consumers. This one way activity coupled with the repatriation of Jamaican represents the mistrust between the islands as the Treaty of Chaguramas was disregarded. The article linked below explores the development of mistrust and intolerance between Jamaican and Trinidad and Jamaica and Barbados. It mentions the free ability to travel within the region between Caricom states that is not honoured. Jamaicans seem to be subjected to mistreatment the most when travelling throughout the region as the article mentions several accounts of profiling in other Caribbean countries.

]]> 2019-11-30 01:50:03 UTC https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417874171 CONCLUSION sarapiango868 https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417876235 The roots of intolerance and mistrust in the Caribbean stem from the failure to integrate regionally. The blog seeks to educate readers on the attempts to integrate and the challenges that arose. The Caribbean can attain regional integration once the mentality of "me against them " is removed. ]]> 2019-11-30 02:18:21 UTC https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417876235 WORK CITED sarapiango868 https://padlet.com/sarapiango868/7rlddop6abcy/wish/417876900 Administrator. “Law Library : Decisions : Privy Council (Commonwealth Caribbean Decisions).” The Judiciary of Trinidad and Tobago, http://www.ttlawcourts.org/index.php/law-library/decisions/privy-council-commonwealth-caribbean-decisions.
CARICOM Secretariat. The West Indies Federation - Caribbean Community (CARICOM), https://caricom.org/community/the-west-indies-federation/.
Hekima, Imani, et al. “West Indies Federation.” Black History Month 2019, https://www.blackhistorymonth.org.uk/article/section/history-of-politics/4250/.
Jamaica Observer Limited. “That Trinidad Products Boycott Call...how Can We Fix Caricom?” Jamaica Observer, http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/columns/That-Trinidad-products-boycott-call---how-can-we-fix-Caricom-_57465.
Jamaica Observer Limited. “Jamaica Observer Limited.” Jamaica Observer, http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/regional/.
“Jamaica: On the Path to Higher Economic Growth.” IMF, 7 Nov. 2019, https://www.imf.org/en/News/Articles/2019/11/07/NA110719-Jamaica-On-the-Path-to-Higher-Economic-Growth.
Kow­lessar, Geisha. “Jamaicans Call for Goods and Mas Boycott.” Trinidad Guardian, https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/jamaicans-call-goods-and-mas-boycott-6.2.411507.b32a870ae3.
Site designed and built by Hydrant (http://www.hydrant.co.uk). “Trinidad and Tobago : Constitution and Politics.” Trinidad and Tobago : Constitution and Politics | The Commonwealth, https://thecommonwealth.org/our-member-countries/trinidad-and-tobago/constitution-politics.
Stay out! - 13 Jamaicans Turned Away from Trinidad, https://www.socawarriors.net/forum/index.php?topic=60995.30.
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