We have published two articles today,
both Commentaries, both on similar subject matter - CHINA, and both
with differing views.

One is from a regular Commentator we
publish, Sir Ronald Sanders, and the other a first for us,

Evan Ellis, a member of the Policy
Planning staff at the US State Department.

Ellis' commentary is published because
Sir Ronald mentions it.

With very,very few exceptions I have
agreed with Sir Ronald and admired and welcomed his insight.

Today, however, this one of the
exceptions.

Sir Ronald paints an almost rosy
picture of China, although he does carry with it a warning.

“Only the naïve would believe that
any major global power is in the Caribbean in the region’s
interest”, he rightly states.

Ellis' article warns “Chinese
companies are notoriously inadequate, for example, in providing
opportunities for locals in senior management” and he urges
Caribbean countries not to allow Chinese participation in
telecommunications and surveillance. “...such presence could put at
risk the ability of its (the Caribbean’s) politicians and
administrators to make effective and independent decisions” he
says.

Sir Ronald then asks the question, “why
is it more in the Caribbean’s interest to allow participation in
its telecommunications by North American and European companies than
by Chinese ones?”

He also claims (and this is where I
mainly disagree with him) “there has been no evidence of [side
contracts to government negotiators) in the Caribbean. For their
part, Chinese officials are keenly aware that the penalty is fatal in
their country for any corruption of which they are convicted.”

I cannot believe he is not aware of the
red flags from all the Caribbean countries that have dealt with China
Harbour Engineering, making all of us here very worried we would be
one of them.

Sir Ronald also says:

One of the fallacies promoted by
Western writers is that China “lures” Caribbean governments into
“asymmetric deals by offering personal benefits (to government
negotiators) in exchange for overall terms favourable to Chinese
companies”. The reality tells a different story. Often, Caribbean
governments have had to pursue Chinese government loans, facing
rejections before any are approved, and many remain refused. China is
interested in getting its loan capital repaid with interest. China
wants the money. It has millions whose standard of living they have
to improve and millions of mouths which they have to feed. Doing so
is crucial to the maintenance of political stability and China’s
form of government.”

Not everything in his latest Commentary
is opposite to my view. I urge you to read both commentators and form
your own opinion. Sanders' is titled “Whose Interest?”. Ellis' is
titled “Choosing self-interest”.

I am, however, relieved we are not dealing with China Harbour on our proposed Cruise Berthing Facility that our Speaker, McKeeva Bush, was doing his best to employ, and for reasons not disclosed our Premier, had included in the final three bidders.

END

NOTE: I haven't answered my question. I leave you to provide your answer.