‘Caribbean Perspectives’ unveiled

Sandra Ann Baptiste’s career as a journalist and specialist in Caribbean affairs spans over three decades, during which she has chronicled major developments across the region with a particular focus on the regional integration movement, Caricom. Her extensive experience in print and broadcast media includes work with renowned organisations such as the BBC, CBC, CANA, the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation, Voice of Barbados, and the Guyana Broadcasting Service.

As the first head of the Guyana Office for Investment (GO-Invest) and a Certified International Trade Professional (CITP), Baptiste has a deep understanding of the Caribbean’s socio-economic landscape. Her newly launched book, Caribbean Perspectives, which focuses on Caricom from the 1970s to 2014, is a compelling collection of articles spanning just over three decades.

The collection provides insightful analysis of Caricom and various social and economic issues in the region, featuring interviews with over a dozen heads of government and two Caricom secretaries-general. The book delves intoeconomic and trade issues, the region’s external trade relations, and tourism developments, with a special section on the Commonwealth.

Baptiste’s interest in journalism began in high school with an internship at the Guyana Graphic newspaper, followed by a stint at the Guyana Broadcasting Service during the launch of Caricom after which, she recalls she was encouraged by Dr Edwin Carrington, (who later became secretarygeneral of Caricom) to specialise in the regional integration movement. Her career flourished as she covered numerous Caricom and Commonwealth Summits, trade, finance, and tourism meetings, putting together in-depth reports reflecting the views of government, private sector, and civic leaders.

“Travelling around the region and becoming familiar with the politics, economy, people, culture, and food was anamazing experience,” Baptiste remembers her tenure at CANA, the Caribbean Broadcasting Corporation, and Voice of Barbados as “among the most productive periods” of her media career.

Baptiste’s work has always been about more than just reporting; it has been about sharing the rich, complex stories of the Caribbean’s politics, economy, and culture. Her relationships with key figures like Edwin Carrington and Roderick Rainford, along with several heads of government and business leaders, allowed her to provide a nuanced view of the region’s developments. Now, as a business and communications consultant, Baptiste continues to champion Caribbean investment, trade, and tourism through Carigold Signature, a magazine based in North America.

Her legacy of insightful journalism and dedicated consultancy shapes the narrative of Caribbean growth and unity.