Telecommunications Divestment: An Erosion of Democracy in the Caribbean

This article examines the undemocratic process of telecommunications divestment in Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. The divestment of the telecommunications sector was largely prompted by each state’s inability to service external debt. Despite espousing the importance of public participation in the ownership of state-owned enterprises being divested, the governments each limited or excluded nationals from ownership of the telephony companies. Divestment of the telecommunications sector was principally undertaken through private negotiations with Cable and Wireless which has historically provided service to former British colonies. This continued colonization of the telecommunications sector is at odds with the democratic structure of both states.