Perspective
The Catalonia Crisis
Self-determination is an irresistible pull … the head of the Referendum movement in Catalonia is Mr. Piugomont, he is a man on a mission with a Vision. He has fled the country. Eight members of his government have been arrested by the Central government in Madrid, Spain. Direct ruled has been imposed on Catalonia since October 27. The referendum vote was October 1, 2017.
We respect the right of individuals in States or Regions to self-determination.
Catalonia is an autonomous region of Spain with a population of 7.5 million and possessing their own distinct language. They can stand on their two feet.
Catalonia has a similar population size when compared with Switzerland which is a fully independent State. Jamaica had a population of less than 3 million when it was granted independence from Britain in 1962. Jamaica had a referendum and the British to their credit respected our right to self-determination. In my perspective, Spain should show respect to the democratic process of the Catalonia referendum vote. A clear majority of the 43 percent voted to leave Spain. It was a truly democratic process.
Money
Catalonia is rich and as they say “money is the root of all evil “… with 16 percent of GDP to be lost by Madrid, walking away is not easy. The European Union is also an interested party and it is not respecting of the will of the Catalonian people and their dream for Statehood.
We have to wait and see how this crisis is resolved. What is your perspective? This is ours.
There has been violence and deaths have occurred … police have been hurt. Are they the (police) been instigators? We hope no more blood is shed.
Hopeton O’Connor-Dennie is Senior International & political Correspondent for GTA Weekly newspaper.
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-europe-41463719&hl=en-JM&tg=435&tk=e-SaRxCWk1tDE-xt
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