Closure of BBC Caribbean prompts Spencer call for pan-Caribbean media

Baldwin, speaking at a ceremony for the Antigua and Barbuda Emergency Ferry Docking Facility said that the recent decision by the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) to close down its Caribbean Service underscores the need for the new Pan Caribbean system.

“The establishment of the OECS Economic Union demands that we create institutions to support the deepening of the integration movement. Thus the closure of the BBC Caribbean Service should serve as a rallying call for the establishment of our own home-grown pan Caribbean media enterprise sustained by both governments and the private sector.

“Such cooperation in the development of regional media systems could result in building a key bridge with other language groups such as the French, Dutch and Spanish Caribbean.

The closure of the BBC Caribbean Service should serve as a rallying call for the establishment of our own home-grown pan Caribbean media enterprise Baldwin Spencer, Antigua/Barbuda PM

“Therefore, I urge CARIFORUM (Caribbean Forum) and the European Union to look at creative ways to finance such a project located in Antigua and Barbuda which because of our centrality and excellent telecommunications, human resources and air transportation hub would be the ideal headquarters for such a regional media entity.”

Spencer said it would also ensure that “Caribbean people better understand each other's challenges and break the back of insularity that has kept us from combining our interest not only in the English speaking grouping but in other language groups as well.”

The Prime Minister said that he was also looking forward to the improving relations with the French islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe advancing cooperation in a number of fields including infrastructural development, tourism, agriculture, education, health care, and culture.

“The exchange of knowledge and the sharing of expertise offer micro states like ours a real chance of survival in the evolving turbulent global environment. “

Spencer also hinted at the possibility of French assistance in the “the establishment of a uniquely Caribbean Media network designed to advance the regional integration movement.

“This proposal is in direct response to the recent decision by the British government and the BBC to cut funding for their Caribbean Service,” he added.’

(Source: Caribbean Media Corporation)