Caribbean Politics and Society

CARIBBEAN POLITICS and SOCIETY

Caribbean Integration

Rationale for Integration.

The Caribbean remains fragmented both economically and politically as a result of competition and conflict among the European powers. Fragmentation is in part the product of a long history as separate colonies of a metropolitan power or powers. It is also in part the psychological effects on people of separation by sea.

The case for regional integration is both simple and irrefutable. First we are small and we need to achieve economies of scale. We need to achieve such economies in markets, production, the mobilisation of regional capital for regional use, university education, science and technology, sea and air transport to mention some areas.

We therefore need to pool as far as is feasible our markets and our financial human and natural resources. We need a single unified and truly common market for goods and services, capital, and trained manpower. In addition we need to coordinate not only the development of our productive sectors but also our economic policies. And we need both a common external tariff and a common set of external trade, economic and other policies.

Very basically put, we must come closer together because even the more economically advanced and biggest of us are mere specks of dusts in international terms. To admit that we are specks of dust does not however mean that we should sink ourselves in passive apathy in economic and international matters; rather we should get together to forma an object with more mass and more weight so that our presence could be more easily seen and more effectively used in the promotion of our own interests. We are small states by world and even Hemispheric standards, we are economically and politically weak individual units.

We must avoid the temptation if at any given time our individual national economy is more prosperous than those of our other partner states, to be so arrogant as to forget that our economic situation may be suddenly reversed and that therefore we will soon need close links with our partner states in matters concerning both the intra-regional and extra-regional spheres. West Indian history abounds with instances of countries suffering sudden reversals of their economic fortunes.

Advantages of Integration.

 a stronger voice internationally

(a) small countries cannot afford to support teams of negotiators.

(b) a single team representing the region would show a united front and lessen the chance for bilateral arrangements that might lead to self-destructive intra-regional competition

 more control of localregional resources

 less dependency on foreigners; therefore less exploitation

 increased regional trade: less outflows of hard currency needed for development

 increased movement of people and capital throughout the region

 increased job opportunities for Caribbean people

 the creation of a Caribbean identity

According to McAfree,

"Strengthened regional cooperation could enhance the Caribbean's self reliance

and productive capacity. Exchanges of skills and technology, and a division

of labour among Caribbean states in the production of various commodities and

specialised services, could increase economic efficiency and the quality, range

and value of what the region produces, both for local consumption and for export".

Factors Encouraging Integration.

 a common history (slavery, exploitation, colonialism, etc.)

 similar political institutions and ideology (Westminster)

 similar social , economic and political issues (debt, crime, unemployment, etc)

 the impact of international trading blocs, e.g. NAFTA, the EU

 similar language and culture (English language)

 similar colonial experience and subjection to neo-colonialistic and imperialistic policies

 similar export relation (the entire region is dependent)

 the effects of globalisation

Factors Discouraging Integration.

 geographical separation (by sea)

 different rates of economic growth and development

 disparities in the exchange rates of the various currencies

 parochialism and insularity, e.g. West Indies cricket

 competition for international loans and tourists

 isolation from centuries of colonialism

 all the territories are sovereign states

 lack of commitment from regional leaders and a "go it alone" attitude of some Caribbean governments

 limited knowledgeunderstanding of integration

Psychological Dependence on the outside world

In spite of our achievements in many fields of endeavour, we still have a strong sense of psychological dependence on things external particularly North American, Europe, and some of the bigger countries of Latin America. We still (as good ex-colonials) see big countries in the hemisphere and in Europe as being some sense better (intrinsincally and not just economically) than out individual countries and the other West Indian countries and we sometimes carry this perception into the field of international relations.

Organisations that Enhance Caribbean Integration.

o The Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

o Caribbean