Denise Clarke, Staff Reporter
GROS ISLET, St. Lucia:
THE installation of the Most Honourable P.J. Patterson as Jamaica's Prime Minister for a fourth consecutive term holds great significance for the advancement of the Caribbean Community, according to St. Lucia's Prime Minister, Dr. Kenny Anthony.
Speaking to Jamaican reporters in St. Lucia last Friday, Dr. Anthony, who attended Mr. Patterson's swearing-in ceremony last Wednesday, said the victory favours the advancement of Caribbean integration, and the establishment of regional institutions such as the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). According to the St. Lucian Prime Minister, the Patterson-led People's National Party (PNP) is "more receptive to Caribbean integration and co-operation", but he described the Opposition Jamaican Labour Party (JLP) as being "a bit isolated" from the rest of the region.
"I think that the JLP historically has been a bit more isolated, (while) the PNP historically has embraced the Caribbean more fervently, and I believe that there is obvious opportunity to be gained to strengthen the Caribbean institutions be-cause you have a political party in Jamaica that is more receptive to Caribbean integration and co-operation," Dr. Anthony asserted.
Notwithstanding this, he said given the closeness of the election results, both parties will now have to work together and come to a consensus on regional issues. He said Jamaica must assume the leadership role in the establishment of the Caribbean Court, and urged the leaders to do more to allay the anxieties of those who oppose the court. At the same time, Dr. Anthony expressed surprise that there is such strong opposition to the establishment of the court from certain sectors in Jamaica, since the country has always been regarded by the rest of the Caribbean as a leader in regional issues, and particularly in matters of anti-colonialism.
"I think more work needs to be done in Jamaica to calm the fears and to inspire Jamaicans to have confidence in this court. Jamaica has led the way to decolonisation and so today it seems extraordinary that there are persons in Jamaica who would stand in the way of the establishment of the court when Jamaica has provided the example of fighting colonialism and asserting sovereignty but, of course, I suspect that over time circumstances change. However, I really would want to see Jamaica at the forefront of leadership of the Caribbean on this matter," de-clared Dr. Anthony.
His impressions while in Jamaica, he said, are that the people are anxious for unity and maintained that the tribalism that has accompanied politics in previous years must now give way to a political climate that fosters hope among the citizens.
