But, it seems that Chavez is deaf to the hooves of history that have galloped through North Africa and the Middle-East toppling those who treated civil and political rights with scant regard. In this connection, the policy of successive Barbados governments to stay out of Petro Caribe and to meet payments for oil as necessary, may prove beneficial to that nation's autonomy in policy formulation and decision-making. T&T, of course, as a producer of oil and gas itself did not need to engage Chavez on Petro Caribe and remains outside of his debt. The current volatility in oil prices caused by these political developments should cause Caribbean countries to address the problems of energy security and the effect of high oil prices in a collective manner, and to start that process by studying in a rational and mature way what they could do amongst themselves, and then how they could engage collectively in the international market.
There remains room for sensible and meaningful discussions between Trinidad and Tobago and the others members of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (Caricom), and maybe even for oil swop deals with Belize and Suriname who now produce some oil, if there is a genuine will for regional cooperation. What is certain is that the Caribbean region which prides itself on upholding democracy and human rights cannot stand by regimes that are despotic. The tide is beginning to turn, and not even the United States has been able to support its long-time allies in the face of popular revolt. Promises were made to several Caribbean countries by Gadaffi. It is doubtful that he can now help himself, let alone them.
The writer is a consultant and former Caribbean diplomat