Jearlean: Caricom ties strong, no threat to trade
Source: Guardian.co.tt- Minister of Works Jearlean John has sought to reassure manufacturers and exporters that Trinidad and Tobago’s relationship with the Caribbean Community (Caricom) remains strong, even as regional tensions escalate following recent public exchanges among leaders.
Her remarks come after Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar described Caricom as “dysfunctional,” comments that drew strong responses across the region, including from Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who emphasised that Trinidad and Tobago benefits significantly from Caricom trade.
Speaking to reporters at the opening of the St Mary’s Police Station, Minister John addressed concerns that local businesses could face economic fallout in the new year. She described the government’s approach as deliberate and measured.
“Our government, led by our Prime Minister, is firm, purposeful, and intentional, but she’s not reckless,” John said.
She explained that the government’s recent statements were made thoughtfully, reflecting realities that needed to be addressed openly. “These are things that have to be said by the government of Trinidad and Tobago. This is what people know, so they have to be said,” she stated.
John was clear that the situation should not be interpreted as hostility toward Caricom or its citizens.
“So we are going to continue on, but this is not against any Caricom member or its people. We are all Caricom people, and we love our people,” she said.
She also highlighted Prime Minister Persad-Bissessar’s long-standing regional connections as evidence of Trinidad and Tobago’s commitment to Caricom.
“I love my people, and I know the Prime Minister—she went to school in Barbados, worked there, and is very proud of the time she spent in Jamaica. She’s a Caribbean woman, and that’s why she’s in this role,” John added.
Responding to concerns raised by regional leaders, including Gaston Browne, that Trinidad and Tobago derives major benefits from Caricom trade, John acknowledged the country’s strong export performance but framed it as a matter of competitiveness rather than imbalance.
“And of course, we understand that a lot of our exports go to Caricom, and we are proud of that. We are very competitive as Trinidad and Tobago,” she said. She added that the country’s products succeed regionally because of their quality and pricing. “If the products that go out are high quality and the prices are competitive, we are in a position where people can buy from anywhere,” John explained.
Offering reassurance directly to business owners and manufacturers concerned about uncertainty in regional markets, she expressed confidence that trade relations would endure. “We are very sure that, based on familial and historical ties, and the quality of what we do, we will continue to score big with Caricom business,” John said.
She concluded with a message aimed at regional partners and stakeholders: “And I want to tell Caricom—we love them. Of course, we are part of that network; we are from here.”
