T&T: Patterson praises Caricom for doing nothing about Haiti

Prime Minister P J Patterson of Jamaica and current chairman of the Caribbean Community last evening praised the "remarkable sense of unity" by the member states of Caricom in relation to the Haitian political crisis, including the aftermath of President Jean Bertrand Aristide's sudden loss of power.

Patterson's statement came against a background of reports in and out Haiti and the USA suggesting differences of positions within Caricom about the temporary hosting by Jamaica of Aristide and his family and also the Community's non-recognition of the interim Washington-backed regime in Port-au-Prince.

As the Jamaican Prime Minister said: "The Caribbean Community has demonstrated considerable diplomatic capacity in formulating the Caricom Initiative in respect of the ongoing Haitian political crisis".

The Community, he added, "has achieved as well a remarkable sense of unity in its response to the aftermath of former President Aristide's sudden departure from office on February 29.

"These (responses) have earned marked respect from sections of the international community and the majority of our Caribbean citizens, local and foreign alike..."

So, apparently, Caricom is interested in gaining respect from the international community rather than doing anything constructive in relation to Haiti. Also, the way to gain respect internationally is to talk ad infinitum. Ah yes, Caricom's "remarkable sense of unity" is of more concern to the heads of state than is the welfare of the Haitian people. Thank you, Caricom. Now we know.