business
Newsday reporter
On Monday, a memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed between this country and Jamaica in the hope of strengthening trade between the two countries.
But the very nature of the agreement was a recognition of the challenges to trade that have long stymied efforts at closer economic integration.
Foreign Affairs Minister Dr Amery Browne and Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Kamina Johnson Smith signed the memorandum of agreement to establish a trade complaints mechanism that will create a pathway “for the expeditious resolution of trade complaints”.
These grievances and conflicts reflect a history of tensions, if not outright hostility, between actors in the two markets. Such tensions reflect cultural, not just logistical, challenges to the free movement of goods.
The signing of the agreement came after the country rolled out the red carpet to welcome Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness as part of the commemoration of the country’s 60th anniversary of independence.
Mr Holness, whose country also celebrated 60 years of independence earlier in August, enjoyed the rare distinction of being a guest at Wednesday morning’s Independence Day parade.
Just a few weeks ago, the country hosted another key Caricom leader, the president of Guyana, Dr Mohamed Ifraan Ali, and made similar commitments regarding strengthening trade cooperation, with an emphasis on agriculture and food security.
For the sake of all concerned, we can only hope that these bilateral agreements go beyond mere promise-making and lead to action.
The pomp and circumstances surrounding both visits do not hide the obvious need for effective follow-up action.
Both the Prime Minister of TT and Mr. Holness were united this week in extolling the virtues of deepening exchanges between the two countries, including in relation to the Caricom Common Market and Economy (CSME).
But just a few years ago, in 2016, Dr Rowley was summoned to Jamaica by Mr Holness amid plans for a boycott of TT goods.
A year ago, a high-profile experiment in air travel collaboration, which saw Caribbean Airlines Limited (CAL) buy Air Jamaica, ended in failure.
Further back, although we this week marked the events of 1962, it should also not be forgotten that this was the year of the collapse of the West Indian Federation following the withdrawal of Jamaica, prompting TT Prime Minister Dr Eric Williams to declare “one of the ten leaves they have nothing.”
Just a few years ago, there was a split in Caricom, which saw Jamaica meet separately with representatives of former US President Donald Trump.
Challenges to regional trade include bureaucracy, crime and social instability, and climate change – all of which make it harder for businesses to access larger markets.
But the challenges are also political and cultural.
Despite a shared history, as evidenced this week by the fact that TT and Jamaica share an anniversary of independence, and despite much cultural overlap, a spirit of division remains.
Both Dr. Rowley and Mr. Holness hopes the world is changing and things are melting between our two nations. Perhaps both believe that a free flow of goods can help people unite. It may be the opposite.
