“Money does not grow on trees”, according to the old adage.
If it did then the tree would be special, it would be producing a chattel good that is designated as monetary currency. Even still, this scenario would not be “thin air”, it will be trading goods for goods. This can be illustrated with a barter exchange of fruit for some other merchandise, say silver. If the silver is viewed as money, then the process of growing and harvesting the fruit will result in money (silver) being acquired based on the fruit from the tree. So money can grow on trees!
Something more amazing happens in our modern economic system, money is created out of “thin air” – no trees, no fruit, no silver. How is this possible? This is accomplished through the Commercial/Central Banking system.
First of all, banks are financial institutions that take in deposits from people and use their money to give out loans to others. The reason why banks provide this service [to the community] for free is because they earn a profit by letting people deposit their money. Banks charge higher interests rates on the money they lend out compared to the money deposited. All in all, banks are both borrowers and lenders. People trust banks to store their money. The deposits allow banks to lend out money with higher interest rates with the expectancy that the loans will be paid back.
Banks have something called a required reserve ratio, mandated by the Central Bank; (the “Fed” in the US). This is the ratio of reserves to total deposits that banks are supposed to keep as reserves. Banks also have the right to increase the reserve ratio. They lend out the remaining percentage. For example, the bank has a 10% reserve ratio meaning it reserves 10% of its total deposits. It will then lend out the remaining 90%. When a person deposits $100, the bank is able to lend out $90 and keeps $10 for reserves. The $10 does not count as money since it is used as a reserve and may not be used for lending. So far, the bank has $100 and $90 currency loaned out. This is a total of $190 created as opposed to $100 before. Currency held by the public is money.
Of course, the borrower doesn’t simply keep the $90 but he will spend it. For instance, he will spend his money for a pair of soccer cleats at the Nike store. Now the Nike store has $90 but it will then deposit it back into the bank. The cycle then repeats itself. If the bank has more borrowers, it will certainly make a profit. If it lends again, it will lend out $81 and keep $9 on reserves.
The way banks create money is a cycle and over time, the profit compounds on top of each other and the original $100 can be [extended] potentially [to as high as] $1,000.[a]
So the new $900, compared to the original $100, is created from “thin air”.
“To whomever much is given, of him will much be required” – Luke 12:48 (World English Bible)
This scripture is quoted in the book Go Lean … Caribbean, in the advocacy “10 Ways to Improve Leadership” (Page 171) showing the great responsibility and accountability of leaders managing monetary affairs; they can create money out of “thin air”. This power, however, has often been abused by Caribbean officials and has resulted in tragic cases of hyper-inflation, currency devaluation and ultimately: human flight – people’s money lost value overnight due to no fault of their own. The same as money can be created, it can also disappear into “thin air”– Anecdote (Page 149) & Appendices (Pages 315 – 7).
The Go Lean roadmap does not just state the problems but provides solutions as well. Those solutions are proposed in the implementation of the Caribbean Union Trade Federation (CU) and the adjoined technocratic Caribbean Central Bank (CCB), as an independent agency. The mandates in the Go Lean roadmap focus on inflation (Page 153), foreign exchange (Page 154), interest rates/credit ratings (Page 155) & debt management (Page 114). The CCB is to be led by professionals who are well trained to execute the leadership roles for a unified Caribbean currency. They will be “given much”; because the CU is modeled after the European Union and the European Central Bank (ECB) – see (Page 130). The CCB leaders will be schooled in the arts and sciences of monetary affairs by the ECB. In addition, the leaders of the existing Central Banks of each member-state will serve as Governors of the CCB with appointments for 14 years, thus insulating them from political influences and persuasions – see “10 Reforms for Banking Regulations” (Page 199). This is the hallmark of a technocracy!
The book Go Lean … Caribbean serves as a roadmap for Caribbean economic optimization. It posits that the creation of money will be enhanced when all Caribbean member-states integrate their currencies into a single currency, the Caribbean Dollar (C$), and also their economies into a “Single” Market. The economic initiatives will create new services, jobs, investments and opportunities.
Yes, the end result will be money created out of “thin air”, but more so because of a vibrant economy than just the deposit-loan-commercial banking paradigm.
The originating activity, as defined in the roadmap, is the stimulus for economic gains. The roadmap projects an $800 Billion economy (GDP) after the 5-year implementation, up from $278 Billion. These numbers will be manifested with the creation of 2.2 million new jobs, and a better place to live-work-play.
The forgoing news article highlights many problems with the current Caribbean Community (CariCom); as was also identified in the book Go Lean … Caribbean. The book declares that CariCom has failed in its quest to integrate and elevate the region’s economies.
But there is some special value that can be gleaned from the regional construct. That value is tied to the existing ratification for regional integration for 15 member-states, 5 associate member-states, and 9 observer states. At the outset of the book, an assessment is made of dispositions of all Caribbean states, of all language groups, and the failed execution of the CariCom as a construct. The book’s Prologue declares that all Caribbean member-states must lean-in for change. That change is the ascension of a better regional integrated entity, the Caribbean Union Trade Federation (CU). The book serves as a roadmap for the introduction and implementation of the CU.
The roadmap’s publisher, the SFE Foundation, respectfully disagrees with the Prime Minister of St. Vincent & the Grenadines, the Honorable Ralph Gonsalves. Though he is elected to speak on behalf of the population of the 120,000 of his country, the Go Lean roadmap echoes the cries of a 10-million-strong Diaspora for all the Caribbean, of all 4 languages. While Mr. Gonsalves proclaims “more of the same”, these members of the Diaspora have already cast a dissenting vote, with their “feet and their wallets”, as they fled their Caribbean homelands taking their time, talents and treasuries with them. Undoubtedly, the Diaspora still have a love for their homelands and cultural heritage to be preserved. So through the pages of this book and interactions on Social Media, they have voted their democratic preference: a No for the CariCom status quo, and a Yes for a “deeper dive” into the integration “waters”. It is thusly an unequivocal Declaration of Interdependence.
See the news story here:
By: Peter Richards
KINGSTOWN, St. Vincent – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders began their inter-sessional summit here on Monday reiterating the importance of the regional integration movement to the socio-economic and political development of the region.
Host Prime Minister and CARICOM Chairman, Dr. Ralph Gonsalves said that 41-year-old 15-member grouping was not designed as a central government for a “bundle of disparate territories” neither was it a unitary state or federation or confederation.
“The Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas conceives CARICOM as a community of sovereign states. Its centre has been deliberately designed as a weak superstructure which constantly gropes for consensus.
“That is what the political market can bear, that is the reality which the broad citizenry in the community has endorsed.”
Gonsalves said that neither the political leadership as a collective nor the populations as a whole have an appetite for much more than what is currently on offer in the treaty commitments.
“So our political mandate is to ensure that what is fashioned in the Revised Treaty is implemented optimally. To achieve this we must first love and care for CARICOM, secondly we must ensure that the organs of the Community work as intended and that its decisions are implemented in each nation-state of the Community”
He said thirdly, the political leaders and populations in each nation posses the requisite political will for CARICOM’s optimal functioning as structured.
Gonsalves told the summit that a compelling agenda for CARICOM has been outlined by numerous studies, including one by Trinidad and Tobago’s Foreign Affairs Minister Winston Dookeran and that a “strategic path is being further elaborated by CARICOM.
Gonsalves said that CARICOM is frequently lambasted for its failure or refusal to implement the decisions of its treaty based institutions.
“Invariably, the CARICOM Secretariat is excoriated for this implementation deficit. However, the Secretariat is not CARICOM, it is the central administrative instrument of CARICOM but it possesses no authority to compel enforcement of decisions of the various Councils of Ministers and the Heads of State and Government conference.”
Gonsalves said that in the absence of an executive CARICOM Commission, buttressed by the requisite constitutional or legal authority, the central responsibility for the implementation of CARICOM’s decisions rests with the governments of the individual nation-states.
“Thus, each government is enjoined in its responsibility, nay its solemn obligation to put appropriate institutional
arrangements in its national executive and administrative apparatuses to facilitate the speedy and efficacious implementation of CARICOM decisions.”
Gonsalves told his regional colleagues that to be sure, the delivery of the Secretariat’s administrative and coordinated functions ought to be enhanced even as he acknowledged that the implementation deficit has to be put “squarely where it belongs, at the level of national governments. “Accordingly, vaunted change drivers cannot reasonably facilitate meaningful change in decision-making and implementation in CARICOM if the individual governments or several of them do not embrace a commitment, made manifest through structured arrangements day-to-day, in the making and implementation of CARICOM’s decision.”
“So the success of the CARICOM enterprise truly begins with the political leaderships, though it does not end with us alone. It ends with us, our national populations and national institutions massaged by the balm of our regional apparatuses,” Gonsalves said.
He said while the summit here has a “long agenda” the subjects to be discussed or reviewed for determination all have one focus, “the improvement in the quality of life and living of the people of our CARICOM region.
”Our deliberations at this conference do not take place in an abstract world, but ina lived [in a world where] global, regional and national conditions [are] stuffed with possibilities and limitations.
“The real world of life, living, and production compel us at this time to reflect centrally on measures for strengthening our regional and national economies including the fortification of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME|), addressing efficaciously the existential challenge of climate change, improving markedly the delivery of air and sea transportation and enhancing citizen security”.
Gonsalves said that apart from these issues there were also the perennial matters such as governance, institutional and administrative arrangements of CARICOM deemed “best suited to achieve CARICOM purposes”.
In her address to the conference, outgoing CARICOM Chairman, Prime Minister Kamla Persad Bissessar said that she was pleased one of the major outcomes of the last summit was the approval for the establishment of the Commission on the Economy to advise regional governments on solutions that would lead to growth and development.
“The Commission’s work has already begun and with a deep appreciation of the fact that sustainable development can only be achieved through the free movement of people and goods, reliable transportation across the region has also become a top priority. “
The Trinidad and Tobago Prime Minister said that in planning for the future of the region, her country would continue to take its responsibility “very seriously in linking our progress to the region’s success.
“As one of the founding members of the Community, we have worked hard to build a reputation on good faith that wherever we seek our best diplomatic and bilateral interests on the global stage, so too will we seek the best interests of CARICOM.”
She said more critical to the sustainability of the region “is our need to work decisively to eradicate crime and threats to the safety of the people of CARICOM.
“In this regard, Trinidad & Tobago proposed an amendment to the agenda of this meeting for the ratification of the Arms Trade Treaty and support for Trinidad and Tobago’s CARICOM-endorsed bid to Host the Secretariat in Port of Spain.”
She said the Arms Trade Treaty provides the region with a significant component in the global fight against the trade of conventional arms in illicit markets.
To date 116 States have signed the ATT, including all CARICOM members, except Haiti.
Eleven States have ratified the Treaty thereby expressing their consent to be legally bound by its provisions. They are Iceland, Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda, Nigeria, Costa Rica, Mexico, Trinidad and Tobago, Grenada, Panama and Norway.
But Prime Minister Persad Bissessar said for the ATT to come into force, Article 22 requires the signatures and early ratification by 50 signatory States so that the Treaty can come into force with the minimum of delay.
She said Mexico and Chile have already formally pledged support for Trinidad and Tobago’s CARICOM-endorsed bid to host the ATT Secretariat.
“However, among CARICOM member States, only Guyana, Antigua and Barbuda, Trinidad and Tobago and Grenada have so far ratified the ATT.
“In addition, I want to urge CARICOM member-states to prepare to participate, once more with an unified approach, in the negotiations that will ensue before and after the ATT comes into force.” Source:Caribbean360.com – Caribbean Online Magazine (Retrieved 03/10/2014) – http://www.caribbean360.com/index.php/news/st_vincent_news/1107238.html#axzz2vZjwuqhO
This Go Lean book serves as a roadmap for the implementation of the CU, as a technocratic federal government to administer and optimize the economic, security and governing engines of the region’s 30 member-states. This is a viable solution to many common problems. The same problems that led to the human and capital flight that has imperiled the region, as many countries have lost large populations.
Mr. Gonsalves proclaimed that “the success of the CARICOM enterprise truly begins with the political leaderships”. To the contrary, the Go Lean roadmap proclaims that success in the region cannot commence from a “top-down” approach, the leaders are simply not equipped to devise solutions; nor can the success proceed from a “bottom-up” approach, because the common “man on the street” just does not have the answers. But rather, the road to success must emerge from a Special Interest Group of those trained, fostered and groomed specifically for this task (champions of related battles[b] [d] in recent history). The book identifies this quality as technocratic and prescribes the CU as a technocracy.[a][c]
The issue of leadership (and governance) is presented as paramount for the successful turn-around of the Caribbean dispositions; see Appendix VIDEO.
And so now is the time to stop with the status quo and forge change by implementing the Five Year roadmap advocated in the book Go Lean … Caribbean. The benefits of this plan are too tempting to ignore: emergence of an $800 Billion dollar economy, 2.2. million new jobs, new industries, services and opportunities for the youth of the Caribbean and even an invitation to the Diaspora to repatriate.
Now finally, in contrast to the CariCom reality and prospects, with the Go Lean implementations, the Caribbean region can become a better place to live, work and play for all citizens.
Published on Jul 13, 2013 – This is a video that highlights some of the differences between a Good Leader and a Bad Leader
Category: Education
License: Standard YouTube License
———–
Appendix – Go Lean Book References
a. Fostering a Technocracy – Page 64 b. 10 Lessons Learned from 2008 – Page 136 c. 10 Ways to Foster Genius – Page 27 d. SFE Foundation – Who We Are – Page 8
A big star in the world of movies is asking for consideration in an area outside his sphere of influence: independence of his homeland. We have seen this movie before; same script, different cast!
Sir Sean Connery’s plea is similar to many other prominent people that had expatriated to a different country, awaiting more favorable conditions in their beloved homeland. (Charlize Theron from South America, Wyclif Jean from Haiti and Oscar De La Renta from the Dominican Republic). This is also the fate of so many of the Caribbean Diaspora. These ones love their country, but live abroad; they want conditions to be different (better) in their homelands to consider any repatriation.
London (AFP)
James Bond star Sean Connery urged his fellow Scots on Sunday to vote for independence in their referendum later this year, saying it was an opportunity “too good to miss”.
The 83-year-old actor, one of the most high-profile backers of the Scottish National Party’s campaign for a ‘yes’ vote in September, said independence would raise Scotland’s profile.
This could encourage more investment in the Scottish film sector and lead to the “international promotion of Scotland as an iconic location”, Connery wrote in the Sun on Sunday newspaper.
Connery, the star of 007 movies such as “Goldfinger” and “Dr No”, was born in Scotland but has not lived there for years, instead spending his time in Spain, the Bahamas and New York.
In 2003, he said he would not return until Scotland broke with the rest of the United Kingdom.
“I fully respect the choice facing Scotland in September is a matter for the people who choose to work and live there — that’s only right,” said the actor.
“But as a Scot with a lifelong love of Scotland and the arts, I believe the opportunity of independence is too good to miss.”
He added: “A Yes vote will capture the world’s attention. There will be a renewed focus on our culture and politics, giving us an unparalleled opportunity to promote our heritage and creative excellence.”
A YouGov poll published on Saturday found 53 percent of Scots want to stay part of the United Kingdom, compared to 35 percent who think Scotland should be an independent country.
Yes, the plea of Sir Connery is parallel and similar to that of the Go Lean … Caribbean book, a roadmap for the introduction and implementation of the Caribbean Union Trade Federation (CU), a technocratic federal government to administer and optimize the economic, security, and governing engines of the 30 member Caribbean states. The same as Sir Connery pledged to not return until Scotland breaks with the UK, many Caribbean Diaspora have pledged not to return (for permanent residency) until their homeland breaks from their current ineffectual systems of governance, failing economic engines and inadequate security provisions.
There is a lot of history associated with both issues: Scotland and the CU. Sir Connery is advocating for Scotland’s independence. This has been a familiar call for centuries. This is life imitating art and art imitating life. The call for Scottish independence was the theme of the 1995 movie Braveheart, about Scottish Revolutionary William Wallace (played by Academiy Award winner Mel Gibson). In addition, the 2006 movie “The Last King of Scotland”, had that goal as a secondary theme. That despite the many failed attempts of Scotland to wrest independence from England, the country of Uganda under dictator Idi Amin (played by Academy Award winner Forrest Whitaker) was successful at gaining their independence from the same imperial masters. A line in that movie stated “maybe Amin should become King of Scotland because he knows how to wrestle independence from England”. Now, today, another Hollywood icon champions the same plea and revolutionary quest for his beloved Scotland.
Scotland has been “rocked” by the recent global financial crisis; they posit that London’s oversight of their economic interest has been flawed and shortsighted. But their demand today is different than for prior attempts in prior centuries. They now want a democratic solution, a referendum to secede Scotland from the United Kingdom. Then Scotland would join and become the 29th member-state of the European Union (EU) and 19th member of the Eurozone Monetary Union. Aligning with the success of the EU would make this petition feasible and logical. According to recent polling, so far the referendum is not favored.
There are a lot of lessons in this issue for the Caribbean. Despite Scotland’s demand for independence, their plan is not to “go at it alone, rather immediately confederate with the EU. This makes the referendum a demand for interdependence with the rest of Europe. The people of Scotland feel that aligning with the EU and submitting to the technocratic European Central Bank would be preferred to the failed economic and monetary policies from London. The underlying spirit behind this Scottish Independence movement is a quest to “appoint new guards” to make their homeland a better place to live, work and play.
The Caribbean’s quest for interdependence is similar; with this statement in the opening Declaration of Interdependence at the outset of the Go Lean book (Page 12):
xi. Whereas all men are entitled to the benefits of good governance in a free society, “new guards” must be enacted to dissuade the emergence of incompetence, corruption, nepotism and cronyism at the peril of the people’s best interest. The Federation must guarantee the executions of a social contract between government and the governed.
The Go Lean roadmap posits that the global financial crisis lingers to this day and trumpets that “a crisis is a terrible thing to waste”. Just like Sir Connery’s egging for Scotland, we in the Caribbean want our homeland to be a better place to live, work and play. The best hope for this outcome though is to confederate into the CU, an EU model, whereby real solutions can be forged, availing benefits like creating 2.2 million jobs across the integrated market of 42 million people and $800 Billion of GDP.
There are things we, in the Caribbean want, and things we do not want from the United States of America. Here is a laundry list of the Good and the Bad and how the roadmap to elevate Caribbean society, the book Go Lean…Caribbean, describes how the lessons will be applied in the implementation of the Caribbean Union Trade Federation (CU):
American Imports
10 GOOD Things We Want from the US
10 BAD Things We Don’t Want from the US
1
Free Market– In pursuit of the American Dream
100 years ago there was great debate in terms of the best governmental system for mankind: communism or capitalism. After 75 more years, that debate was over! Communism had proven ineffectual. Free Market capitalism as exercised in the US, in pursuit of the American Dream to elevate one’s standing in life, is what the Caribbean region needs, wants and deserves.
The Go Lean roadmap extols a Caribbean dream; that in addition to synchronizes with the American version also has additional advocacies like repatriation to the islands.
Strategic Interest Prioritization – Or Lack There of
The US is now the only remaining super power, but they only exert their “muscles” when their own strategic interests are involved. So after the promise of “never again”, after the Nazi Holocaust, the world found the US “sitting idle” as other genocides/ethnic cleansings transpired, as in Cambodia, Bosnia and Rwanda. Why this inaction? Simple: there was no strategic US interest.
The Go Lean roadmap advocates that despite the two US Territories (Puerto Rico & USVI), the Caribbean must forge law-and-order and plan/allow for its own priorities.
2
Tourists
Tourism is still the primary economic driver for the Caribbean region. While there is a lot of competition in the domestic US and internationally, the Caribbean continues to make the case that its region is the best tourist destination in the world. The region wants to continue to appeal to Americans of all demographic persuasions to come visit the islands for stay-overs (land-based hotels) and/or cruise ships. We want to forge vacation options and traffic for the upper, middle and lower classes of American society.
The CU forges plans, advocacies and re-boots to further enhance the Caribbean tourism product array.
Partisan Politics
In 2013, the US Government almost came to a grinding halt on two occasions; due to an impasse in raising the sovereign debt limit and a failure to pass a budget by the end of the fiscal year. The reason for these failures in delivering governmental obligations was partisan politics. Factions in the Republican Party were determined not to give in to the continuation of certain Democratic Party policies. These polar oppositions preferred to default on debt payments or shut down the government than to compromise from their positions.
The Go Lean roadmap dictates certain automatic provisions (budgets) to assuage legislative deadlocks.
3
Capital
There are many Financial Centers around the world (London, Zurich, Hong Kong, etc.) but none with the liquidity like Wall Street. They have the capital the Caribbean needs for Direct Foreign Investments. After the 2008 Financial Crisis, the US Federal Reserve Banks have maintained a policy of flooding the money supply to keep the cost of capital (borrowing) low.
The Go Lean roadmap calls for the emergence of the Caribbean Dollar (C$) managed by a technocratic Caribbean Central Bank. This structure allows for more liquidity in the existing stock exchanges in the regions. A strong regional currency will also mitigate primary cause for prior emigration.
Quantitative Easing – De-Americanize World Money
It’s a standard accepted practice not to overstate the money supply and that this practice results in de-valuing currencies. But the US feels that this policy does not apply to them. To offset the 2008 Credit Crunch, the Federal Reserve instituted a policy of Quantitative Easing and set the Discount Rate to near zero so that banks could get access to almost-free Central Bank money. The end result now is that the Euro, which started in 1999 pegged E$1.17-to-1 with the US dollar, now trades for at E$1.36.
Imagine a savings account established in 1999 losing 19% of value just sitting idle. The C$ plan is modeled on the Euro.
4
Pax Americana
Pax Americana is not a “de jure” policy of the US government, but rather a “de facto” policy. The spirit of the Monroe Doctrine is still imbued in US foreign policy. This implies that any European aggression in the Americas is an affront to the US. Practically, the US strong military ensures peace in the region. There is no need for massive military output by Caribbean states.
The CU roadmap includes Cuba into the brotherhood of a Caribbean Confederacy. Previous expressions of Pax Americana have resulted in a trade embargo for Cuba.
2nd Amendment
The “right to bear arms” has a personal application beyond the country’s entitlement to maintain a militia. This “right” has been interpreted in a manner in which any normal “man” can get possession of guns and other armament. This proliferation of guns in society results in the highest rate of gun violence in the world, even an unconscionable rate of school shootings.
The Go Lean roadmap purports that this status has also caused discord – a gross abuse and availability of illegal guns – in bordering communities of Mexico, and Caribbean states of the Bahamas, and the DR. This propels our gun-related crime.
5
Intelligence Gathering
After the September 11 Terrorist attacks the US ramped up its deployment of Intelligence Gathering capabilities. These systems allow for more predictive modeling and better tracking of suspects and threats.
The CU maintains the example of the investigation of the April 2013 Boston Marathon Bombings region – arrests were made in 48 hours – is a successful model to copy.
Privacy Violations
In the name of security, the US surveillance apparatus has been heavy-handed. They have even eavesdropped on phone calls for foreign heads of states visiting the UN, without search warrants from official courts. (One report and confession found the US spying on the Bahamas). The average law-abiding citizen should not have to worry about an over-reaching security watch dog.
The CU envisions a balanced Intelligence Gathering goal.
6
Crime Watch Initiatives
“If you see something, say something” – is the mantra of the crime and terror awareness movement in the US. This involves the verticals from crime watch to public CATV.
The Go Lean roadmap provides comprehensive anti-crime and anti-terror measures, both the systems, personnel and funding to effectuate this change.
Criminal Organizations – RECO
The US is the single largest economy in the world. As a result of this success, “bad actors” have also emerged.
The CU recognizes that the history of US organized criminal organizations running rampart in Cuba is a risk to be mitigated for future Caribbean societies. The roadmap is to monitor and assuage all enterprise criminal activities.
American Imports (cont’d)
10 Things We Want from the US
10 Things We Don’t Want from the US
7
Melting Pot Societies
The Latin term “E pluribus unum” or “Out of many, one”is a phrase on the official Seal of the United States. Though this was never codified by law, this phraseis a de facto motto of the US. This corresponds with actual history as immigration was always a constant feature. The US always benefited with empowering immigrants impacting the economic engines of the country. There are many industries where the “best of the best” try to work their way to the US; consider the broad examples of Wall Street or Hollywood and the specific example of German aero-space engineer Wernher von Braun, who inspired & aided US Space efforts and the quest for a man on the Moon.
The CU represent 30 member-states and 4 languages so any hope for a successful union depends of successful “melting pots” in our region.
Discrimination of Immigrants
Hazing and discrimination seem to have been a rite of passage for every immigrant group’s experience as they have emerged in the US. This was the experience for the Irish, Italian, Jewish, Puerto Rico, Cuban, and other communities, no matter the time frame (1800’s, 1900’s and 2000’s). Why should hazing be experienced, when there is economic value to immigrant populations?
The CU posits that empowering immigrants should be invited and accommodated; the local communities should plan and facilitate the impact of changes: language translations, Diaspora retailing and cultural sensitivity training. There is also the inevitable refugee inclusion that all successful societies must allow for, though not planned nor invited. These can be distributed among the region.
8
Family Holiday Re-unification
The busiest travel day of the year in the US is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving; the 2nd busiest day is the following Sunday. Obviously American families place a high priority on coming together for holiday festivities. Though not as extreme, this pattern is repeated for other holidays like Christmas, Easter and family reunions.
The CU advocates “push and pull” factors of family reunification throughout the Go Lean roadmap. Plus, the transportation solutions enable more easy access.
Family Abandonment
Senior Living Facilities are a big industry in the US. This is due to the family habit of abandoning elderly parents to the care of professional strangers. The Caribbean way traditionally is to house their Senior Citizens with families, whether the economics apply or not.
The CU has a prime directive to encourage repatriation back to the Caribbean homeland and assuage societal abandonment. Frankly, senior citizens should avoid the cold climates of North American and EU Diaspora cities.
9
Media Arts – Film, TV, Stage, Music, e-Games
While prospects for many traditional 20th Century industries (factories, auto, steel, mining) have declined in the US due to the competitive imbalance of globalization, media continues to flourish. In 2011 the global box office amassed $32.6 billion in revenues. Hollywood continues to be a growing and impactful economic engine. Broadway saw $11.2 billion that year, while music and other media continued to enjoy strong numbers. US Media Arts have become more than just past-time, it’s a sustainable lifestyle.
The CU roadmap posits that art and music can drive big economic returns as long as the complete eco-system is there to identify, foster & compensate stakeholders.
Cultural Neutralizations – Domination of airwaves
There are other cultures than just American. If not abated, the American media will dominate and neutralize the airwaves. Caribbean culture should be preserved and promoted. With American media comes American values, and these may not always advocate what’s best for Caribbean life. Consider consumerism, proliferation of guns and drugs, societal abandonment, language assimilation and other social ills.
The CU roadmap makes comparison to cultural protectionism as employed in France versus the free market approach in the US. While France doesn’t lead many of the world’s media output, they have maintained their unique culture. This propels their tourism – 25 million visitors to Paris.
10
Sports Professionalism
The American leagues for Baseball, Football, Basketball, Hockey, Soccer and even their Olympic models inspire athletes that they can earn a living based on their talents, disciplines and abilities. There are many levels for the American sports world, so even if money is not the object, other benefits, like educational scholarships and civic pride, can often provide positive impacts on society. The quadrennial Olympics are more successful today because of the Americanization of the business models of these events; which is heavy on media, sponsorships and free-market ticket sales.
The Go Lean roadmap includes a comprehensive sport promotion and administration apparatus within the CU Cabinet level State Department.
Win at all costs ethic
There is a worldwide movement to curb the sport world of performance enhancing drugs. Many of the recent advances in the “outlaw” industry have emerged from the US (i.e. BALCO, HGH, PEDS, etc.). This scourge is part of the “win at all costs” ethos that American sports seem to foster. This attitude also relates to the treatment of the retired athletes; this refers to the abandonment of expended athletes, once they are perceived to offer no further contributions.
The Go Lean roadmap calls for rebooting sports administration, including the establishment of an Anti-Doping agency within the CU Trade Federation to elevate regulation and enforcement to the federal level. Other benefits of the regional focus will include better oversight of sports academies, agents and leagues.
A large number of Caribbean people live abroad, in the Diaspora. They live in places like the US, Canada, the UK and Europe. This commentary is Part 1 of 4 in a series examining the destinations of this Caribbean Diaspora. The full series is as follows:
10 Things We Want from the US and 10 Things We Do Not Want
Go Lean Commentary
