By William Skinner As we celebrate International Womens’ Day, we are cognizant of the role our Caribbean women have played in the cultural social and economic growth of our region and evolving Caribbean civilization. They , like our men , have risen from the depths and decadence of slavery , to the highest political and corporate ladders in the region. They have given birth, to millions and have made and continue to make significant contributions to those in the Diaspora. In many cases, where they were not the biological mothers, they nurtured, cared and developed those , who were deprived of parenthood , and socio-economic hope. They are in our classrooms, directing young and fragile minds , how to navigate a world that we in the region , must forever avoid being dragged into conflicts of the so-called super powers. They are pursuing all the opportunities of our tertiary educational institutions, including the University of the West Undies, often in higher numbers than our men. ...
We have never argued against or implied that exogenous issues don’t affect us.
However, it is most interesting , that on several occasions, discussions about our national/ regional problems , have been ignored and we jump right into what is happening in Ukraine, Russia, Gaza , as if we don’t have televisions and other media.
Our transition to true transformation is being inhibited because we want to pretend that some new global dispensation will be to our immediate benefit. That is a geopolitical illusion.
For those , who read deeply , into current CARICOM thinking, there is a renewed call for such things as a common currency and speaking with one voice in international fora and trying to combat globalization with one common strategy.
We need to do better in order to avoid another period of protracted poverty and political malaise.
At this time we need more Caribbean thinkers; we need those who want to complete the independence project and transform our region. Only then would we be in a position to better fight exogenous threats to our existence.
We may never be a global power but we can be a true global voice. We cannot expect to be respected if we don’t respect ourselves. This is no time for window dressing and pretense.
We certainly did not overcome slavery to now follow others in their global quest.
We had little or no choice then. We have a choice now.
In the words of Marcus Garvey: Rise , you mighty people.