Let CARICOM chips fall where they may

The EDITOR, Sir:

I read your editorial of July 7 regarding Trinidad and Tobago being unfair and recall a number of articles on Caribbean trade written with a similar tone, complaining about trade with the twin-island republic.

I must say that I am at a bit of a loss to explain to those who expect me to know what are the benefits of Jamaica being in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). I can see where it benefits everyone else, but I can't see how it helps us. Every now and then, those who have led us down this road must remind us, as our experiences appear to cause us to forget. Why and what are the reasons we are in CARICOM?

Review treaties

I love Caribbean people, we are cousins; but that does not mean that we should let them take advantage of us. So I agree with Kamla Persad-Bissessar, let's have a full review of all the treaties, beginning with that of Chaguaramas One and all the others that follow it. We need to have the courage to have this discussion, not just with former students of the University of the West Indies, nor with the lovers of West Indian cricket, but with everyone.

If CARICOM was such a great thing, then the decisions would be quickly implemented, not dragging on and on like a reluctant people going to the gallows. Let the chips fall where they may.

I am, etc.,

DANVILLE WALKER

Commissioner of Customs