Leonardo Blair, Staff Reporter
SEVERAL CARIBBEAN journalists participating in a Commonwealth Journalist Association (CJA) workshop in Georgetown Guyana cited severe challenges in highlighting crucial issues about the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
Despite a number of legal setbacks to establish the CCJ earlier this year, CARICOM leaders have remained steadfast to the the goal of establishing both the CCJ and the CSME. April 16 has already been set as the date to establish the CCJ and the CARICOM Single Market is expected to come into play soon after.
In the gruelling day-long workshop recently, journalists concluded that poor public education about both bodies was preventing serious discussion on related issues. In some cases journalists felt that they didn't think themselves sufficiently informed due to a lack of information in their countries.
IN THE DARK
"I honestly don't know what the position on the CCJ is," said Anika Kentish, a radio reporter from Antigua. "Consultations with stakeholders tell us that Antiguans are not properly informed as to the CCJ and its implications. You can tell that when you try to initiate discussions on the radio about it and you don't get a lot of feedback," she explained.
Ms. Kentish pointed out that the most pervasive understanding among Antiguans, particularly about the CSME, is that there will be increased labour competition from nearby countries such as Guyana. She said,
"A lot of Antiguans are concerned about the influx of people that will come with the CSME. I think the smaller islands tend to be afraid of being gobbled up."
Journalists from other CARICOM territories such as Suriname and Guyana felt that the CSME would only allow the more developed countries of the region freer access to control their respective resources. Guyanese participants say a number of Trinidadian interests are already buying up Guyanese real estate.
Trinidadian representatives in the workshop pointed out that there was general concern that the increased flow of people to their country could put more pressure on the country's resources.
