Caribbean Review 2017: Economies, Hurricanes and Culture

One Caribbean Nation.

Caribbean Nation Flags

by The Mahogany Coconut Group

 We have concluded that 2017 is a year that we would want to forget. The economies of almost all Caribbean islands are under pressure and unless solutions are quickly found, chances are that many would be heading to the International Monetary Fund (IMF). We are mortally afraid that if we must live under the draconian measures that remain the Fund’s hallmark, there would be little hope in 2018, for any widespread improvement in our struggling economies.

The forces of nature via some extremely damaging hurricanes, have set many countries back at least ten years as they were literally destroyed or severely damaged by a relentless and brutal hurricane season. The rapid response of those islands not affected to assist their brothers and sisters, clearly demonstrates, that we can rise to the occasion. It is ironic, that such calamities brought out the very best in us and proved that with progressive leadership our people would positively respond to any challenge. Our Caribbean people have an abundance of energy that is underutilized.

CARICOM continues to underperform, and our recent vote at the United Nations in relation to Trump declaring Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, proved that we are at this stage incapable of presenting a united geo-political global front.  We were embarrassed to witness some Caribbean countries bending to the wishes of Washington and a U.S president who is totally out to sea, when it comes to world affairs. It is a shame on those countries, that will not be removed in the immediate future.

On a positive note, we continue to see our cultural workers keep the flame of Caribbean unity burning by the staging of another Caribbean Festival of the Creative Arts (CARIFESTA). It is generally known that in times of turmoil, the artistes become the guardians of the society. They bring the struggles and solutions of the societal problems to the fore and combine messages with entertainment that become a valve which releases some pressures from the broader society. They therefore often save the society from socio-economic implosion.

Unfortunately, our once former great West Indies cricket team continues to disappoint and any hope of even pretending a return to former glory in 2017 was wasted. The truth is that “our boys” are not displaying the mettle to which we had become accustomed. While we will continue to wish them the best, we cannot do more than expect the worse. However, many countries are performing beyond expectations in sports such as: Tennis, badminton, swimming, squash, surfing, and athletics. We are also aware that an indigenous form of tennis known as “road tennis” is gaining popularity in some islands.

While we try to forget 2017, we are entering a very threatening 2018. Crime and the environment will continue to present serious challenges and most economies will continue to lack bold and creative solutions. Once more the masses and the most vulnerable will be expected to carry the load of the failing political managerial class.

At least we can emphatically state that they will not disappoint us because they have carried this region through slavery and the present post-independence period. They are the blocks that we often refuse but they remain the cornerstone of all our achievements to date. The sooner we recognize this truth, the better. However, we should not expect them to carry the weight forever.

The Mahogany Coconut Group thanks you for your support in 2017 and wish you all the best in 2018.