Caribbean integration since its inception has always placed resilient concentration on regional integration, however, this integration movement appears to have reached saturation since its policies and ideas are no longer viable in today's evolving economy.
The new trajectory of Caribbean convergence is intended to provide this region with more advanced policies applicable to the current global dynamics and not intended in any way to scrap Caricom since there remains a disconnect between the desires of the region and the outcome of the regional integration process.
Focus should be placed on the transformation from a traditional society to one that is contemporary, essentially eliminating weak leadership and governance, increasing trade between emerging markets with a greater role played by the private sector enhancing public-private relations.
Over the years there has been development through Caricom but its impact has not been significant and its leadership is said to be responsible for the drawbacks and non-progression of the global political economy. Economist Norman Girvan noted that the situation for Caribbean integration "has deteriorated and the despair and cynicism of the population may have reached the point of no return".
The success of any Caribbean economy depends on their flexibility to adapt to changing global conditions. Caribbean convergence, by no means necessitates discarding old policies, it focuses on bringing new dynamics through innovation and flexibility to foster Caribbean integration in this ever changing global reality with the purpose of adding value to the process of integration thereby making this region a globally competitive one.
The Caribbean Regional Integration Report (2011) commissioned by the UK's Department for International Development (DFID) sustains a development partnership with this region which makes major recommendations to deepen and widen regional economic integration.
Contrary to this report is the Landell Mills report which acknowledges the slow progress and the weakening of the structure and operation of the Caricom and its Secretariat and highlights that the issue with this body is not structural but managerial.
For Caribbean convergence to occur, long-term goals should be prioritised into outcomes which can be realistically achieved within a specific time period with the resources available. The institutions within the Caricom should be better integrated ensuring accountability and transparency with more effective leadership and operations, focusing on what member states are able to do individually to add value to the region.
Caribbean convergence and integration within the region can be easily attained with the requisite decisions and actions taken.
Fayrial Mohipath,
Mt Lambert