The following article submitted by Ambassador to CARICOM David Comisiong
If one compares the work effort of Ambassador Comissiong to his predecessors Denis Kelman and Bobby Morris one must give Comissiong higher markes – David, Blogmaster
Read Ambassador Comissiong artcile which was published elsewhere.
Commisiong what about Barrow speech you do not understand specifically when he states openly that “we will be friends of all and statellites of none”
I hope you do not mean those words to be interpreted by all and sundry that Barrow intentions was to lay in bed wholeheartedly with Castro and Chavez
For if that was what he meant he would have engaged your twisted thinking in diplomacy to place barbados on a forward movement towards communism resulting like the failed nations like Cuba and Venezuela
Why dont u get loss for a minute and whilst doing so find a solution for the Venezuelan problems whose people are suffering daily
Socialists work for free.
This yardfowl Making $18,000 a month is a
waste of taxpayers money.
Just another part of the “Corruption Brigade”.
Really David, you still in thrall to this horror?
What is the CARICOM position on Venezuela? What would be the future of black Venezuelans under this coffee-coloured, right-wing, US-backed Guaido regime?
CARICOM has NO position Hal, it is a joke.
What position do you want Caricom to take?
Redman
Show me a Capitalist and I will show you a bloodsucker. Malcolm X
@45Govt,
It does not matter what position CARICOM takes, as long as it takes a position. More importantly, what is Barbados’ position? We must have one, afterall our dear prime minister went up to New York to speak to the secretary general. How did that conversation go?
Going to speak to the SecGen of that corrupt, troughing bunch of anti_Western parasites is a complete waste of anyone’s time and Barbadian taxpayers’ money. She must have had some other purpose.
#sendtheunpacking
From a geopolitical perspective is that the most diplomatic decision to take by a region that holds zero political cards on the world stage?
Hal if you read the tea leaves you would realized Caricom has taken a position of silence
Caricom cannot stand toe to toe for or against Giants like Russia and China and the rest of the Western world
Caricom owns nothing fartherless has nothing to offer
There best bet is to stand on the sideline observe and take orders.
Commisiong acts and behaves like a spoil brat looking for attention but neither Russia China or the USA cares about what he thinks
“It would appear to me that when a mind has been trained to hold such bitterness against capitalism, to believe in the illusions of Communism, it is no wonder that some of this same mentality have used their influence in scientific circles, in embassies and in governmental positions to betray the interests of their own countries and collaborate with what has turned out to be the most formidable enemy free men have ever faced.”
https://goingplaceslivinglife.files.wordpress.com/2014/07/capitalism-4.jpg
@ Mariposa,
Are you saying CARICOM are cowards? What s prime minister Mottley’s position? Afterall, she punches above her weight.
Capitalism (Free Market System) versus Socialism which Encourages Cronyism and Theft through Taxation!!
We are on a Very Slippery Slope…
Free Markets Create Prosperity.
Socialism Creates Poverty.
https://www.facebook.com/turningpointusa/photos/a.376802782368444.77256.376776419037747/1376414702407242/?type=3&theater
Titles never stop you from being a crook!
STATEMENT BY THE CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF GOVERNMENT OF CARICOM ON THE LATEST DEVELOPMENTS IN THE SITUATION IN THE BOLIVARIAN REPUBLIC OF VENEZUELA
The following Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) – Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Trinidad and Tobago; Foreign Ministers of Grenada and Suriname;, meeting by video-conference on 24 January 2019, issued the following statement.
“Heads of Government are following closely the current unsatisfactory situation in Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, a neighbouring Caribbean country. They expressed grave concern about the plight of the people of Venezuela and the increasing volatility of the situation brought about by recent developments which could lead to further violence, confrontation, breakdown of law and order and greater suffering for the people of the country.
Heads of Government reaffirmed their guiding principles of non-interference and non-intervention in the affairs of states, respect for sovereignty, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for human rights and democracy.
Heads of Government reiterated that the long-standing political crisis, which has been exacerbated by recent events, can only be resolved peacefully through meaningful dialogue and diplomacy.
In this regard,
Heads of Government offered their good offices to facilitate dialogue among all parties to resolve the deepening crisis.
Reaffirming their commitment to the tenets of Article 2 (4) of the United Nations Charter which calls for Members States to refrain from the threat or the use of force and Article 21 of the Charter of the Organization of American States which refers to territorial inviolability, the Heads of Government emphasized the importance of the Caribbean remaining a Zone of Peace.
Heads of Government called on external forces to refrain from doing anything to destabilize the situation and underscored the need to step back from the brink and called on all actors, internal and external, to avoid actions which would escalate an already explosive situation to the detriment of the people of Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and which could have far-reaching negative consequences for the wider region.
Heads of Government agreed that the Chairman of Conference, Dr the Honourable Timothy Harris, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis would seek an urgent meeting with the United Nations Secretary-General to request the U.N’s assistance in resolving the issue.”
Following upon the issuing of this Statement, CARICOM participated in the UN Security Council meeting on Saturday 26th January, with Barbados’ Ambassador to the UN, Elizabeth Thompson, presenting the CARICOM Statement, and representatives of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Antigua, Dominica and Suriname also addressing the Security Council.
This was then followed by a CARICOM delegation comprising Prime Ministers Harris, Rowley and Mottley and Secretary General La Roche meeting with the UN Secretary General on Monday 28th January to solicit the UN’s partnership with a proposed attempt by CARICOM to play the role of an “honest broker” and to institute a process of dialogue and peaceful negotiation among the contending parties.
The CARICOM delegation also met with the representatives of other relevant governments in New York in order to urge a peaceful solution to the crisis.
CARICOM is conscious that any eruption of serious armed conflict in Venezuela will have devastating consequences not only for the people of Venezuela but for the entire Caribbean region.
The propaganda machine initially said there was no problem in Venezuela…so what has changed, where did the ..
“They expressed grave concern about the plight of the people of Venezuela and the increasing volatility of the situation brought about by recent developments which could lead to further violence, confrontation, breakdown of law and order and greater suffering for the people of the country.”
suddenly come from….it was said the media was lying that the Venezuela people were never suffering, now we hear about…”greater suffering”
grant you, the suffering will multiply tenfold if there is any military action…that is a given.
I don’t know how any one with any conscience can say these people have not been suffering for over 12 months, it is clear in their drawn, unhappy, worried, hungry looking faces.
The Heads of govt are unified in a position of sitting and observing whilst the people of Venezuela suffer under the ruling tyrannt Maduro
The Heads of Caricom govt should at least have a moral persuasion guided by the crying voices of the people of Venezuela in their suffering to say many Wrongs has been done to the people of Venezuela by their govt and speak on those issues with clarity.
The heads of Caricom statements are luke warm and only sends messages of self interest blinded by an indifference to how the people of Venezuela lives are being impacted
Nonsense. Does CARICOM, in its honest broker role, recognise Maduro as the legitimate president of Venezuela? Yes or no?
Hal Austin
January 30, 2019 8:24 AM
Nonsense. Does CARICOM, in its honest broker role, recognise Maduro as the legitimate president of Venezuela? Yes or no?
—-‘–”————-‘—–”””””
Good question although the answer is obvious
Back to you ambassador Commisiong
Is there a released statement for clarification on Hal question
Do you all appreciate what diplomacy requires? This is a nasty situation that has the potential to escalate, one that requires our leaders take a soft position and make noises cloak in diplomatic speak.
Back to Comissiong for more drivelling verbiage.
What is most amusing is the determination on another junket to NYC to ‘confer’ with the cnuts in the utterly corrupt UN.
#kicktheuncnutsoutofnyc.
Nothing wrong with diplomatic speech
However the situation in Venezuela and it’s impact on the people requires voices that are more than that those of having a political agenda or model to suffice
But voices of leadership guided by moral intervention to see and say when a wrong directed by rules of inhumanity are prepetrated on the people
No!
Our ‘leaders’ are irrelevant David. They were united in their silence while the Venezuelan economy was trashed and the people subjugated in oppressive poverty by successive commie demagogues and they have no standing in the subject now.
Why you continue to give the creature Comissiong the oxygen of publicity is a mystery.
Someone mentioned earlier that the parasite was on $18k per month on the backs of the poor Bajan taxpayer. That is the true scandal.
Does Ambassador Commisiong not have the equal right to have a view.
Do you all appreciate what diplomacy requires? This is a nasty situation that has the potential to escalate, one that requires our leaders take a soft position and make noises cloak in diplomatic speak.(Quote)
Is this meant to be the chairman acting as agent provocateur? If not, it is another example of a man with little cognitive ability. CARICOM must come clean on its recognition of the legitimacy of the Venezuelan president; no diplomacy, no honest broker, no con tricks. Just plain speaking.
No. Ambassador Commissiong iis a temporary civil servant and speaks on behalf of the government. If he wants a private view express it at home among family and friends. When he speaks publicly he is doing so as a representative of government. Simple. It is only in Barbados this basic understanding is confused.
Our ‘leaders’ are irrelevant David. They were united in their silence while the Venezuelan economy was trashed and the people subjugated in oppressive poverty by successive commie demagogues and they have no standing in the subject now.
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You have nailed it.
if Mr Commissiong’s support for a tyrannical regime makes him a better caricom ambassador than denis kellman or bobby morris then may God help us
What do we have here, a 35 year old man who has declared him president. Is he anymore legitimate than Maduro? Of course he is, the US says so.
What the blogmaster finds interesting is the position taken by Trinidad in the matter and how it gels with him being selected on the Caricom group that met with the UN people.
“What is the CARICOM position on Venezuela? What would be the future of black Venezuelans under this coffee-coloured, right-wing, US-backed Guaido regime?”
i suppose it cannot be no worse than now under this russian and cuban backed discoloured one.
I do not like attacking the local press, but what are they doing? Do they think it is important knowing where Barbados stands on Venezuela?
Commisiong is a self serving parasite
His words rings hallow in the minds of those who have the eyes to see and ears to hear his drum beats of political propaganda influenced by his hatred of Western idealogies some of which are far removed from commuinist teachings and idealogies
When it is feasible to speak good of democractic principles he does so out of a self interest using the people as political props to push his agenda by which presently he wears the crown the title as ambassador to Caricom and receives a huge monthly wage
@ David – we know the commie creature Comissiong’s views and they are at odds with those of any normal Bajan’s, and one might hope with yours?
It would be of interest and of public record to know how much of tax payers monies Commisiong earned in his fight against govt on behalf of Raul Garcia and the Hyatt and the Biometric planned govt policy of fingerprinting
It is also relevant that when tax payers moneies are used to fight against govt policies that the people have a right to be informed as to how much money was paid to the receiver fighting govt policies
What is the CARICOM position on Venezuela? What would be the future of black Venezuelans under this coffee-coloured, right-wing, US-backed Guaido regime?”
i suppose it cannot be no worse than now under this russian and cuban backed discoloured one.(Quote)
That is the problem. Whatever the colour of the government black people come off worst.
@ Mariposa
Could you ask for a copy of the ruling to find out if Comissiong was paid or not?
The President’s age is relevant how? I hope you apply the same objections to the disgusting 29 year old loudmouth Ocasio-Cortez.
Have you addressed the substantive point?
I didn’t see a substantive point. I did see an irrelevant one.
Mr Blogmaster, I have much difficulty understanding your remark “Does Ambassador Commisiong not have the equal right to have a view.”.
The ONLY view (as @Hal correctly notes) that the Ambassador can offer publicly is that of the govt he represents… which thus far as I have read appears to be the case: He advocates for a Caricom collective position on the matter and it certainly appears that Ms Mottley and her colleague PMs are striving to reach such a collective voice.
They are seeking to maintain the semblance of ‘free and fair’ (whatever that really means in Venezuela) as their communique clearly indicated…: Heads of Government reaffirmed their guiding principles of non-interference and non-intervention in the affairs of states, respect for sovereignty, adherence to the rule of law, and respect for human rights and democracy…Heads of Government … to rerain from the threat or the use of force … emphasized the importance of the Caribbean remaining a Zone of Peace…Heads of Government called on … [actors] internal and external, to avoid actions which would escalate an already explosive situation to the detriment of the people of Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela and which could have far-reaching negative consequences for the wider region.”
This would be Grenada X 10 if there is an external intervention and given current world affairs that explosion could be catastrophe regionally (those al Queda/ISIS returnees in TnT, IMMEDIATELY become a very differently dangerous problem, as one example).
But back to Ambassadorial views… didn’t PM Trudeau just fire one of his for offering his private opinions on the very public matter of the Huawei extradiction affair … didnt the US ambassador negotiating the Syria affair fire himself when his views and those of the administration were no longer the same.
An ambassador can only have ONE public view…and right now Commissiong and his govt are perfectly in sync as that same ONE … of course the moment that diverges then it’s goodbye!
@Dee Word
You are splitting hairs. The views the Ambassador espouses in public must be assumed to be those of the government he carries the instrument.
Lead, Caricom, lead!
These people can’t even lead a parade!
Heads of Caricom govt cant even figure how to manage Liat
Cant see how a gorilla the size of three world powers they can influence
Wait to hear the outcome of the next poppy show talking shop by heads of Caricom govt in their political diatribe on Venezuela.
With friends like those the venzuelean people are surrounded by enemies the ones who are supposed to be a friend of the people
You are splitting hairs. The views the Ambassador espouses in public must be assumed to be those of the government he carries the instrument.(Quote)
Idiocy. You cannot assume. The view must be an expressed view of the government. Stop trying to read people’s minds. The Barbados government must make its position clear or keep quiet.
Some people need to see reality in living color..
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2227673540590192&set=a.211155218908711&type=3&eid=ARA7O8WmEQPfYj7QPIsIOj1Rds-snzhGFbXQ2quUyw9t5nLxVOHARTdTDBPrEiNuR9Xf2Cc00J52o9fQ
Mr Blogmaster re “You are splitting hairs. The views the Ambassador espouses in public must be assumed to be those of the government he carries the instrument.”
You have the perfect diplomatic style: play both sides graciously 😂.
Brother if u say “Does Ambassador Commisiong not have the equal right to have a view.” where VIEW can only be RATIONALLY interpreted as a personal one how can u reasonably accuse me of splitting hairs and respond as above?
When u asserted that his views ”…espouse[d] in public must be assumed to be those of the government [for which] he carries the instrument” then WHOSE VIEW was he supposed to have when u said …Does [he] not have the equal right to have a view.” ?
Frankly rather awesome diplomatic speak: one that can be interpreted how you choose … Good stuff…LOL!
@Dee Word
Are you saying what the Ambassador espouses in public is not his view?
One must assume that if he does not agree with government’s position he would make his resignation available.
Ambassador as a voice of Caricom and one quick to endorse an open door immigration policy for Haitians
Question what is latest report on the Haitian issue in Barbados
Did the govt of Haiti respond to your threatening letter
What have you based your statement on? Isnât Barbados a signatory to the RTOC? Every issue you distil through a political lease. Ambassador Comissiong is executing what we have signed up for.
Can’t remember any threatening letter…what Comissiong wrote to Haiti, though it should’ve been written BEFORE…the no visa change…was accurate in content and fair.
Well if i am wrong in my comment
The ambassador is free to correct
No!
Until a correction is made my comments stand as stated
Who is the Minister of Foreign Affairs? Commissiong or Doctor Walcott. We find it hard to believe that Walcott can give Commissiong orders.
The Prime Minister met separately with representatives of the Governments of the United States and the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela today.
A press statement from the Prime Minister’s office stated that during each meeting, Mottley emphasised that continued dialogue was essential to a peaceful resolution of the political situation in Venezuela. Mottley underscored that the Caribbean region is a Zone of Peace and must remain so at all cost.
Mottley also highlighted that Barbados’ interaction with all countries is based on values and principles related to non-interference and non-intervention in the internal affairs of countries, respect for law and order the protection of democracy, and promotion of human rights.
As a result of Barbados’ active engagement on the issue within CARICOM, Mottley has been invited to attend a meeting on Venezuela to be held in Uruguay next week to promote dialogue and a peaceful resolution in Venezuela.(Quote)
Another Jong press release. Our PM is punching above her weight? Uruguay? What about staying n Barbados and doing some work?
Interesting report about a tiff brewing between the OAS and Caricom.
https://www.guardian.co.tt/news/tensions-rise-between-caricom-6.2.771729.0d07169cad
CARICOM is pushing back against the European Union’s (EU) continuous threatened blacklisting of countries in the region.
Barbados’ Ambassador to CARICOM David Comissiong says regional governments have recognised the threat for what it is and have devised “a very multi-faceted and comprehensive strategy” to deal with it.
On Thursday, while updating the media on last month’s 30th Inter-Sessional meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government, Comissiong said all the Heads would be participating “in a strategy of reaching out to the member states of the EU, defending the region’s sovereignty and making it clear to the EU that the persistent threats of black-listing are not permissible.”
Comissiong said the EU had for some time been either “unilaterally” blacklisting CARICOM member states, or threatening to take such action, alleging these countries were not compliant with EU standards of tax good governance.
He pointed out that Barbados had been a victim, causing the island to take the initiative of doing a convergence between the tax rates applied to international companies versus rates applied to local companies. As a result, tax rates for international companies have been increased, while rates for Barbadian companies have been reduced.(Quote)
Is this the role of the ambassador to CARICOM or for the foreign secretary or prime minister? Who determines policy?
The Caribbean is a strategic priority for the United States, said U.S. Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs Kimberly Breier last week as she warned countries about China and Russia’s involvement in the region.
“We recognize the importance of the Caribbean to the success of this hemisphere, and believe that a region united in our shared values and shared interests will result in a more prosperous region,” she said at the eighth Caribbean-United States Security Cooperation Dialogue at the Department of State on Thursday.
“Key to this is the issue of our security.”
She added, “As you know, China has more equity capital invested in the Caribbean on a per capita basis than it does in the rest of Latin America.
“If Chinese companies operate on a level playing field in ways where they play by the rules, this investment could greatly benefit your countries.
“However, far too often, China has departed from international best practices, and when it does, its opaque methods have enabled corruption, eroded good governance and stolen countries’ sovereignty and national resources.
“In the western hemisphere, all countries should require that infrastructure development projects feature a transparent procurement process, uphold environmental and social safeguards and foster inclusive growth, in line with the standards of international financial institutions.
“In the Caribbean, there are at least nine so-called Confucius Institutes, spreading Chinese communist party propaganda throughout the region. This is incompatible with the region’s deep democratic legacy and respect for free expression.
“Russia’s presence in the Caribbean is also now stronger than at any time since the end of the Cold War. New embassies, military cooperation agreements, Russian spy ships being spotted by the U.S. Navy and Caribbean ports and mines being opened to Russian companies create strategic vulnerabilities.
“However, I want to underscore that the United States is your neighbor. We share your values and cultures and we have much at stake together in shaping the future of the region through efforts like CBSI (Caribbean Basin Security Initiative).
“Our investment decisions today will have a generational impact on our citizens in the future.”
The Caribbean-United States Security Cooperation Dialogue took place on the 10th anniversary of CSBI, a U.S. initiative to support Caribbean countries in their efforts to reduce illicit trafficking, increase citizen security and promote crime prevention.(Quote)
This is a challenge to CARICOM, what do we have to say to this?
The importance of the Caribbean is defined by geopolitics. If the Caribbean is hedging by strengthening diplomatic relations with another hegemonist, what is the problem?
The EU and South American economic bloc Mercosur have clinched a huge trade deal after 20 years of negotiations.
EU Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said it was the EU’s biggest deal to date and, at a time of trade tensions between the US and China, showed that “we stand for rules-based trade”.
Brazil’s President Jair Bolsonaro said it was “historic” and “one of the most important trade deals of all time”.
Mercosur consists of Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay and Paraguay.
Venezuela is also a member but it was suspended in 2016 for failing to meet the group’s basic standards.
The deal aims to cut or remove trade tariffs, making imported products cheaper for consumers while also boosting exports for companies on both sides.
It is set to create a market for goods and services covering nearly 800 million consumers, making it the largest in the world in terms of population.
Five things about the EU-Japan trade deal
What is Mercosur?
The two parties began negotiating in 1999 but talks accelerated after US President Donald Trump’s election in 2016. As a result EU-US talks were frozen.
The EU has also concluded trade agreements with Canada, Mexico and Japan since Mr Trump’s election.
However, the EU deal with Mercosur could see savings on tariffs that are four times as big as those made in the Japan deal, EU trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom said.(Quot e)
CARICOM is older than Mercosur, yet the Latinos can negotiate as a single body. When is CARICOM going to do the same?
Why is our CARICOM ambassador attacking the US for its position on Cuban medical professionals? Is Cuba now part of CARICOM or is the ambassador a loose cannon? Who does he report to, the foreign minister of the prime minister?
David Comisiong is a racist,a very bad racist..how can he be ambassador to anything?