Dear Editor,
The CARICOM circus has outdone itself yet again! In what can only be described as a masterclass in diplomatic dodging, the once-proud regional bloc has now morphed into a bygone version of “CARIGONE,” vanishing from the scene just when its voice was most needed. The latest disappearing act? A majority of CARICOM members refusing to endorse the document for democracy in Venezuela, leaving only Guyana and Suriname bravely waving the flag of principle.
Who knew that “unity” in CARICOM actually meant “standing together, except when we don’t feel like it”? Perhaps it’s time for a rebranding session. After all, CARICOM’s commitment to democracy is starting to look more like a “commitment to convenience”—a principle that evidently varies depending on who’s in the room or who’s watching.
Let’s take a moment to applaud Guyana and Suriname for showing up. In a region that’s perfected the art of being present in name only, these two nations have become the unexpected torchbearers of democracy. It’s as if the rest of CARICOM is playing a game of hide-and-seek, only they’ve forgotten to come out from behind the curtains.
One has to ask, what exactly is CARICOM’s purpose these days? If the collective can’t stand united on something as fundamental as democracy, should we even bother with the pretense? Perhaps it’s time for CARICOM’s decision-makers to draft a new mission statement: “Promoting regional unity… except on Mondays, Wednesdays, and any other day ending in ‘y’ when democracy is involved.”
So here’s to Guyana and Suriname—holding the fort while the rest of CARICOM continues its disappearing act. Let’s hope they don’t decide to make “CARIGONE” permanent.
Yours faithfully,
Keith Bernard
