The issue of regional unity and the future of CARICOM in recent times have come under the microscope increasingly and some are even voicing the opinion that Guyana has no future with this regional integration body and we should instead focus on increasing our ties with the South American continental organisations. But is this a realistic, logical and practical approach?

Of course, Guyana is a unique country within CARICOM because geographically it is part of the South American mainland but historically and culturally it is more part of the English-speaking Caribbean, hence it has a pivotal geopolitical position. It also has the unique distinction of being the only English-speaking country on the South American mainland.

And therefore it has important roles in both CARICOM and the continental organisations-with respect to the latter it is perfectly positioned as the gateway to South America and very important as well it is English speaking; with respect to the former it is the largest in terms of geographical size and has the potential of being the breadbasket of the Caribbean as it once was, apart from the many other ways it could meaningfully contribute to the goals and aspirations of the regional integration movement.

So on both fronts Guyana’s role is a pivotal and it cannot neglect it responsibility as nation which is deeply focused on its national priorities but the same time has an internationalist outlook.

It is understandable that some be peeved because of the treatment Guyanese nationals receive in some CARICOM member states but one must not be carried away with isolated cases and emotions. Of course these problems must be addressed but we should not allow them to become obstacles in the bigger picture of regional integration and Caribbean unity.

The global reality and challenges necessitate that countries band themselves in blocs, the larger countries recognising the realities are doing so and the smaller and the more vulnerable ones have a much greater need to band together to ride over the waves of globalisation and liberalisalisation of trade. At the moment there is no route other than a collective one in meeting the challenges of today’s world. No small and vulnerable state has the capacity to go it alone. This is inescapable fact we must all recognise and acknowledge.

In any unit or organisation internal differences among members are inevitable. In fact one philosopher said contradictions are the basis of development so what is more important is the manner and timeliness in which these differences among member states are resolved.

Perhaps it is time that CARICOM revisit the mechanisms it has in place to resolve internal differences to determine whether they are adequate and effective. And if they are found to be lacking as it appears to be then measures should be expeditiously taken to address the situation or else there could be more bungling and frustration within the organisation which does not help the process of integration and Caribbean unity.

It was indeed very refreshing and encouraging to hear from President Jagdeo that the CARICOM integration system is “as strong as ever.”

According to the President, “In spite of the challenges we face, and the challenges to our societies induced by the recent economic crisis which affected the whole world with devastating consequences, and which have affected our region too, that many people think that the regional integration movement is under strain. I think it is strong as ever.”

This is the President in his optimism-something which sad to say is lacking in many of our Caribbean people.

Perhaps in our search for regional integration and unity we could draw inspiration from Rabindranath Tagore: “I have become my own version of an optimist. If I can’t make it through one door, I’ll go through another door – or I’ll make a door. Something terrific will come no matter how dark the present.”