This phenomenon reminded us, among other things, of the frailty and vulnerability of the environment in which our societies exist, where we fail to take into consideration the very risks of the dictates of the natural environment. Mankind has been reluctant to conform to the rules of nature, to take into account the external risk, always seeking to subject nature to man’s own plan, instead of proposing greater harmony based on respect for its laws, which moreover, are fulfilled irremissibly and independently of human will.

We still have not come to the realisation that we cannot decide to develop an economic or social project without keeping in mind those levels of risk. The fact that the intention is to create employment or support the economic development of nations is no justification for us to do so at the cost of having to pay with human life in the face of a phenomenon whose occurrence we should expect.

In the case of the Maldives , with the rise in the sea level and extreme marine erosion, that population should have had a tremendous capacity to withstand that last great sea wave and preserve human life. The tourist facilities of Thailand should also have had levels of prevention that would ensure the fastest mobilisation of visitors and the protection of the native population.

In another vein, this huge catastrophe underscores the great increase in the interdependence of the society as a globalised whole that controls to some extent, social relations and economic development among persons and countries. Despite the rise in particularistic nationalisms, the notion of social interdependence has developed, and beyond individualisms social solidarity prevails. This is explained through the understanding that the problems of some cannot be irrelevant to others.

That new vision of international social relations contributed to the creation of an assistance mechanism by those countries that were in the best position to do so. Not only has that mechanism brought relief to those affected, but it also allows the governments of those countries to think about the restructuring of their economies and social rearrangement that takes into consideration the frame of mind and the psychological effects suffered by the thousands of persons who witnessed the disappearance of their friends and loved ones in mere hours.

That solidarity however, does not stem solely from the humanitarian spirit of co-operating governments, but rather from their understanding of the manner in which events taking place so far from their borders could have an impact within their countries or bring about difficulties in global economic movements. This equilibrium is guaranteed by the work of labourers and employees who perform their duties on a daily basis without necessarily knowing that their efforts are helping to increase the profits of large multinational corporations in developed countries.

Another lesson taught by that catastrophe is that we are obligated to work for the unforeseeable, since nature is giving us signs that she has begun to make up for the aggression we have inflicted upon her for so many centuries. The signs are many - the ozone layer, global warming, deforestation and desertification, flooding, pollution and other ecological footprints that we have left along the lengthy path of development in conflict with the environment.

I hope that those attending the conference in the Mauritius Islands recognise the occurrence of the tsunami as a message in which nature is saying to them that the time has come for mankind to change its position where those matters are concerned. It is time for us to join hands and work together toward a plan to overcome risks, with a long-term vision and reduce our insecurities about the future.

Dr. Rubén Silié Valdez is the Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States. The views expressed are not necessarily the official views of the ACS. Feedback can be sent to mail@acs-aec.org

11 January, 2005