Antigua and Barbuda Globalized Friendship

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Rawlston Pompey

Monday, 24 December 2012 02:30

By Rawlston Pompey

Like every other concept, “...Globalization,” has posed as many “...threats as it has created opportunities” to nations, both wealthy and impoverished.

This, however, was dependent upon the interpretations applied, approaches in pursuit of the considered aims, objectives and/or expected results. Wikipedia defines the concept as “...The process of international integration arising from interchange of world views, products, ideas and aspects of culture.” It also speaks to “...Economic Globalization.” This affects “...goods, service, technology and capital,” encompassing all nations including Antigua and Barbuda. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has posited four categories, specific to “...Trade and transactions; ...Capital and Investment Movements; ...Migration and Movement of people; and ...Dissemination of information” [Wikipedia].

FOE FRIEND AND SAVIOR

These “...Interchanges,” however, were games, not necessarily played by rules, such as those played and/or practiced by China and others. Hence, they were to be seen as fraught with difficulties for all nations, large and small. They are all rife with “...Trade rows, arising from Market Inequities; ...Competitiveness; ...Unfair Practices; ...Protectionism, to impoverished nations being “...Bribed into Connivance” for financial support.” For instance those who need China’s friendship, must support and/or follow its “...ONE CHINA POLICY.” Notwithstanding, there were still “...good economic reasons” to be its friend. It has vast sums of money to lend impoverished States such as those of the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) for “...Infrastructural Development.

DECLARATIVE PRINCIPLES

China appeared to have been often misunderstood, seemingly due to widespread “...misinformation and/or negative indoctrination.” Clearly intent on establishing good diplomatic relations with nations and peoples entertaining fear that may be described as a “...figment of imagination,” in its October 1, 1949 declaration for the establishment of diplomatic relations with other nations, these were to be founded upon the principle that states “...This Government is the SOLE legal Government representing the People’s Republic of China; ...It is ready to establish diplomatic relations with ALL foreign governments willing to observe the principles of ...equality; ...mutual benefit and respect for each other’s territorial integrity and sovereignty” [Wikipedia].

ONE CHINA POLICY

Thus, there was to be only one China, a pledge recently re-affirmed by both Prime Minister Dr. Baldwin Spencer and non-resident Ambassador His Excellency David Shoul. According to research, two OECS members given the benefit of “...inadvertency, ignorance or prostitution,” (with taunts from Lone Wolf), Grenada and St. Lucia seemed to have ignored these “...Principles and the One China Policy,” and established diplomatic relations with Taiwan. This had vexed China since it had entertained claims of “...Provincial Status” within the People’s Republic of China (PRC). The former had reportedly requested financial assistance of US$58M for agriculture and infrastructural developments, when such assistance was declined Dominica severed the contentious ties in 2004, reportedly switching allegiance to China [Wikipedia]. Having “...signed-on to the “...One China Policy,” in a twist of fortune, the PRC, either provided or offered a”...Stadium, Grammar School, Road works, repairs to its Hospital” Concessionarily worth US$100M [Sir Ron Saunders: Caribbean 360: April 28, 2011].

CONTENTIOUS RELATIONS

Other seemingly contentious relations were those existed between China and St. Lucia and Grenada. The former had established diplomatic relations with the PRC on October 1, 1985; ...severed it in 1989; ...snapped the diplomatic line to be towed by Taiwan; ...received funding of US$28M for its airport. Either through “...economic greed or diplomatic absurdity,” but seemingly fishing for “...China’s Diplomatic Dollars,” severed ties and forged links with China in 2005, only to face litigious proceedings in a US Court to be told “...When you trust, you must pay.” In the case of St. Lucia, its relations with China and Taiwan appeared full of complexities. Before a United Nations Resolution annexing the “...Republic of China (ROC) [1971], in recognition of the “...People’s Republic of China as one nation” inclusive of Taiwan, it became problematic for many nations seeking to establish diplomatic relations with Taiwan. In 1979 US President Jimmy Carter was forced to sever ties with the “...Republic of China” (ROC) in order to establish ties with the annexation of Taiwan in the considered “...inseparable People’s Republic of China (PRC).

DIPLOMATIC TROUBLES

The “...Sovereignty Tussle between China and Taiwan” has posed diplomatic troubles for friendly nations to one and enemies to the other. For instance, those who need financial assistance from the former are required to “...Support One Policy-CHINA ONLY.” Its Sovereign Wealth Fund (State-owned Investment Fund) up to December 23, 2012, was estimated at US$482 Billion” [The London Telegraph]. With such influences and Sovereign Wealth Fund, it has become “...Foe to some, including Lone Wolves, and Friend and Savior to most.” Thus, regional leaders appeared annexed for funding and people consciously affixed to its culture, buying, wearing and consuming fast foods and products of every kind. Competing commercially with Chinese entrepreneurs has been a formidable task for indigenous businesses. Thus those who need Chinese funding, must dance to “...Chinese Music.”

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ST. LUCIAN EXPERIENCE

St. Lucia’s problem with Taiwan was one “...politically instigated.” This had resulted from what was described as “...Taiwan Dollar Diplomacy.” It was accused of providing “...Clandestine Funding” during that nation’s recent elections in which former Ambassador CHOU “...attempted to influence the election results against current Prime Minister Dr. Kenny Anthony.” Taking strong offence to the ambassador’s “...reprehensive behavior,” an irate Dr. Anthony chided “...Diplomatic relations exist only between countries and peoples, not between Countries and political parties” [Caribbean News: Sept. 12, 2012].  He was subsequently recalled to Taiwan. Mutual respect for Sovereignty and independence appeared to have kept the tri-partite relations between China, Taiwan and St. Lucia intact through “...Trade Arrangements.” St. Kitts/Nevis and St. Vincent and the Grenadines appeared to have such arrangements.

STRATEGIC APPROACHES

Many leaders have adopted various “...strategic approaches” to their nations “...economic development, growth, viability, sustainability, stability, prosperity and well-being of the people.” The industrialized nations have done so through utilization of available natural resources or raw materials sourced from other nations. Thus, manipulating both humans and machines, they have accomplished their economic goals and objectives. Notwithstanding their individual efforts, many had not seen a comparable way in employing “strategies used by China.” That nation has demonstrated an exceptional knack for conducting business, effectively using its “...engineering, manufacturing and financial sectors as evidenced by one of its International Business Corporations “…Beijing Chang Cheng.” While it was said that China was focusing “...aid investment on infrastructure” constructing stadia, bridges and providing concessionary funding for “...power plants,” some called “...Wa” and some “...Dadli,” the underlying motive was suspected to be “...Undermining Taiwan.” [Robbie Murray: July 23, 2012].

CONSISTENCY

Notwithstanding its motive, China had shown consistency with its declared principles, seen to be constantly “...Upholding the Banner of Peace.” This may have been evident from the exercise of its “...Veto Power” within the United Nations Security Council, either against “...Sanctions, Aggression or military intervention against its members. Its recent exercise of such power in keeping out of the “...Syrian Conflict” may be seen through certain principles consistent with its policy in “...Upholding the Banner of Peace; ...Development and Cooperation. These were on the premise that it would  (1) ...Pursue, as always, an Independent Foreign Policy of Peace; (2) ...Peaceful co-existence; (2) ...Mutual respect for Sovereignty and Territorial Integrity; (3)...Non-interference in external affairs.

HUFFING AND PUFFING

Interestingly, while nations “...huffed and puffed” at the United States, China appeared to have been drawing down on their “...Foreign Reserves” with its exports. Chinese goods were to be seen exposed for sale in stores, motor vehicles and on city sidewalks throughout the nation. Adding to its “…Economic Exploits” were said to be its short shelf-life products of “...concerned quality.” These ranged from “...bamboo items to rubber goods, ceramics and plastic wares.” Those with perceptive skills, have contended such represented “…Trade-offs,” for increasing its Trade flow to the nation and the region.

DAZED AND CONFUSED

Nationals with a sense of perception and feelings of suspicion, including Parliamentarians, professional technicians,  business operators, Talk radio hosts, journalists and a wide cross-section of the society, had accused China of exporting “...suspect energy producing machineries,” supposedly at “...Concessionary Loans.” It was said that “...Curiosity kills the cat.” Luckily, for journalist Everton Barnes who had no whiskers and could not utter the cat cry “...MEW, MEW.” However, when he was perceived with “cat-like stealthiness,” prying too far into the “...quantum of “...RMB” payable to China,” Prime Minister Honourable Dr. Baldwin Spencer ensured that he left the press conference “...Dazed and confused” [Caribarena: Feb.7, 2012].

STRATEGIC INTENT

More popularly known in this part of the globe, “…Beijing Construction and Engineering Group” (BCEG), stipulated strategic intent was posted as “…Enlarging and Enhancing International Business” [Wikipedia]. Its main objective was that of reaching across frontiers with its product. The “...BCEG” had recently attracted national attention, reportedly due in part to sourcing procedures for electricity generating machineries, sparking controversy over “...condition, financing and operability.” Seemingly these may have been exposed recently by Antigua Power Company (APC), over matters of grave concerns for its own survivability. [Google: APC Pulls Plug: Dec. 14, 2012].

LEND AND SPEND

Made the focus of attention, it is to be understood that irrespective of “...Close ties or bonds of friendship” [PM Spencer/Ambassador Shoul], China’s Trade and Lending policies were geared toward its national “...Economic interest.” Thus, it has maintained firm grip on its exploitative lending policy of “...Spending what it lends.” This meant that “...actual release or financial disbursements” were to be only in the hands of its Manufactures/Suppliers/Shippers, that goes right back to its Export/Import (EXIM) Bank. Despite citizen’s expressions of misgivings,” “...China’s Concessionary Loans” circulate only in its “...Financial Institutions and Industrialized Sectors” [Wikipedia].

NEVER CHANGE

That which borrowers RECEIVED from China as loans, irrespective of financial markets conditions and diplomatic ties, they SHALL REMIT in full. Instructively, EXIM’s representative at the previously held press conference seemed adamant, if not “...pellucid,” [Lester Bird], that “...Chinese Loan Never Change.” Given recent contentious issues involving energy generating plants and costing and possible currency fluctuations in a “...wobbly international financial markets and economic crisis,” His Excellency Ambassador David Shoul with a sense of optimism, was convinced that repayment of the “...$300M RMB, US$47M,” might not be seriously affected by “…high interest rates” [Observer: Feb. 7, 2012]. This may have been premised on an apparent existing “...Sacred Bond of Friendship” between the two nations. In Chinese “...business and language,” however, “... Chinese Loans Never Change.” Thus, if a “…Bond of Friendship” existed between Antigua and Barbuda and China, other than a bond with “…EXIM,” then it had to be linked to its manufacturing and/or supplying companies to which “...contractual funds were to be fully remitted.”



AMBASSADOR DAVID SHOUL

With truthfulness and accuracy of “...disbursement procedures,” that was recently alluded to by non-resident Ambassador to China, His Excellency DAVID SHOUL, that which was known was China’s “...conditionalities on Concessionary Loans.” These Loans were visible only by “…Construction materials; ...equipment; …technical expertise and requisite manpower.” Hence, with such disbursement policy, there would be negligible opportunities for public officials to maneuver or to be “...skimming from public funds.” Frequently, however, lack of “...Transparency and/or Accountability” seemed to have impacted negatively upon “...deep-seated suspicions or public perceptions of some officials and their “...Integrity in Public Life.”

GOOD HUMAN RELATIONS

Since the crucifixion of “...Jesus Christ” had resulted from a “...kiss of betrayal and 30 pieces of silver,” modern civilization dictates that the “...impeccability of man’s character,” may not be judged solely on “...perceptions, rumors, suspicions and/or emotive feelings.” Therefore, “...Judge Not” [Mat.7:1-David Shoul]. Seemingly, such considerations may not have been extended to former “...ABEC Commissioners” Sir Gerald Watt KCN QC, Lionel ‘Max’ Hurst and Nathaniel ‘Paddy’ James.” Hounded, humiliated, haunted and wounded, they appeared to have prevailed through the litmus test of a “...Commission of Inquiry.” Fortuitously, others covered under “...dark clouds of suspicion,” had escaped the rigors of such an exercise. It was, therefore, instructive that “...power-wielders” know that “...Good Human Relations,” urged that in the absence of “...Irrefutable Facts,” there shall be some measure of “...mutual respect, understanding and Trust.”

APUA’S TECHNICAL QUACKS

Given the reasons prompting the press conference, there was no question that as “...reticent” as they may have been perceived, provoking more “...technical and financial” questions than answers, Ambassador Shoul and Prime Minister Spencer, with no “...technical expertise,” were to be seen as officials of “...unquestionably high repute.” However, given the apparent “...cagey attitude” of specially trained personnel or “...Technical Quacks,” it begs the question “...What were the collective roles of the “...APUA’s Technicians.” Law abiding and objective citizens believed that may have dispelled and/or averted “...suspicious beliefs,” employing their ‘...professional expertise, knowledge, experience and competence, supported by their integrity and reputation for honesty.

PUBLIC EXPECTATIONS

Falling woefully short of “...public expectations,” their view was that, with their “...Technical Expertise,” they may have done injustice to themselves, host of the Press conference and the nation as a whole. Thus, many had conclude that they appeared disappointingly more “...cagey” with their apparent “...half-cocked stories or less than cogent explanations.” Consequently, it was the view of many that they may have contributed more to the “...chaos and confusion” that had prolonged debates on the issue, with lingering thoughts and/or doubts that half the “...Story had not been told.”

SHOUL’S BIG DEAL “DOLLAR” STORE

Facing a formidable task in competing with Chinese business entities were many indigenous store operators, including businessman Philip Shoul. Compounded by taxes, even his Scotts Hill “...Big Deal Dollar Store,” has been experiencing “...fierce competition from Chinese operated businesses,” forcing him into removing the “...Dollar” from the name of the store. However, he has replaced it with “...Discount Cards” on Chinese goods exceeding the “...Dollar.” While many people may have been forced into thinking Chinese, only few individuals possess Chinese language skill and ability of speaking with some degree of fluency. Indigenous peoples appeared unable to penetrate the clannish-type population and behavior “...culturally and socially.” With that said there have    been many affable Chinese nationals-equally as friendly and courteous as others.

ECONOMY OF SCALE

Boasting an economy, second only to the United States [Wikipedia], China’s booming “...manufacturing and investment economy,” has made it the envy of many nations, with surpluses and foreign reserves said to be in Trillions. Research showed that as of May 4, 2011, Chinese investment in “...United States Treasury Bonds” was estimated to worth US$1.61 Trillion [Derick Scissors Ph D: June 30, 2010], and projected to grow to US$2Trillion. Accused of “…Unfair Trade Practices and ...Currency Devaluation,” allowing for “... enormous Trade Surpluses, China of course, was already a force in global markets” [David Barboza: May 4, 2011]. By size and population, on a “...significant scale,” China had established a trade link with Antigua and Barbuda, that economic experts contended produces “...marginal economic benefits,” since most of its offshore revenues were repatriated to China.

TRADE PRACTICES

Examining China’s “...Trade Policies and/or Practices,” in their analyses, two US Professors in “...Economics and Law,” Staiger and Sykes, have argued “...Currency Devaluation does not alter export volume”[Currency Manipulation: Jan. 30, 2009]. As it affects Antigua and Barbuda, there was no up-dated statistical data to show “...Exports/Imports” to/from China. However, it was estimated to be “...substantially high,” as in the recent past, it has become the nation’s “...most valued Trading partner.” What was well known was that “...millions of its Foreign Reserves were being exported” along with a negligible quantity of “...recyclable scraps of metal.” In 2005 the nation’s import bill was said to be EC$497M (Merchandise/Commercial Services) of which $209M were imported from CARICOM [Wikipedia].

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MARKET ADVANTAGE

There was little doubt that China has dominated global “...Free Markets. Therefore, many world leaders had reservations that its entry into the “...World Trade Organization” (WTO), would have given it an unfettered and “...Unfair Market Advantage.” It has utilized such advantage along with its dominance that has caused members of the international community grave economic and strategic concerns. The United States in particular, had blamed China for its “…Huge Trade Deficit,” due to its “…Devalued Currency.” Thus while its economy thrived on “...Global Exports,” it was also accused of being partly responsible for the “...current economic meltdown.” Research revealed that up to “...December 2011, China’s global exports were worth US$174.7 billion.” With such booming economic   growth and a willingness to lend countries with ailing economies most had become “...susceptible to its influence.” Thus, many had gravitated to that nation for financial support. Regional States, including Antigua and Barbuda had gravitated, and had been the recipients of “...Conditional Infrastructural Benefits” through “...Concessionary Loans arrangements.”

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