Transportation an Issue for Caribbean Community

Albert Ramdin

One of the major challenges faced by the Caribbean is transport and accessibility. Belize, arguably, faces the greatest challenges, largely due its geographic location within the community. But, the ease of transportation is an issue CARICOM leaders have committed to solve. And, Foreign Minister Ramdin says, private sector investments is one way to solve the issue.

Paul Lopez

“I am sure you see how difficult it is to travel to Belize in particular, perhaps one of the only nations in the Caribbean that presents so much challenges when it come to travel. And, as our Prime Minister stated, that makes it even more difficult for export, to take products into the Caribbean. How do we even address that issue?”

Albert Ramdin, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Republic of Suriname

“First of all, I wouldn’t say we like to compete. But, the issue about accessibility, Suriname has its own challenges. I think it is something we need to work out, not only by the government. It also needs to be done by the private sector. In their operations they will be much more efficient in looking at the business side, be profitable. In our case, we have been able to ask the private sector to invest in vessels and aircrafts, especially cargo aircraft. That has already happened. So, if we leave it up to the private sector that will work out. We have to give the private sector more space, more opportunity to be part of this whole enterprise. But, the government needs to be much bolder in terms of decision making and much more effective. For long there have been too much bureaucracy, too much talk, too many good intentions, but the issue now is we need to walk the talk and make sure that those things which we promised to the people of the Caribbean will be carried out. That is the new vision for the region, and a good leadership will provide that vision to become reality.”