Cooperation In The Greater Caribbean

"Over the past 50 years there has been a subtle shift in the proclaimed identity of the Caribbean. The development of a pan-Caribbean consciousness transcending language and colonial ties has become even more pronounced in the post-independence era. The famed 1992 report of the West India Commission, A Time for Action, widely regarded as the turning point in contemporary Caribbean development, recommended a deepening of CARICOM and a simultaneous widening of functional cooperation. The result was the creation of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS) with potential membership of all the countries of the Caribbean Basin. In this volume, Norman Girvan examines the issues and obstacles, challenges and opportunities presented by this functional cooperation and presented the ACS as a viable vehicle to help CARICOM nations meet the challenges of the new globalized environment. "

Deeper economic integration within the Caribbean has been a regional policy priority since the establishment of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the decision to create the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME). Implementation of integration initiatives has, however, been slow, despite the stated commitment of political leaders. The “implementation deficit” has led to skepticism about completing the CSME and controversy regarding its benefits. This paper analyzes how Caribbean integration has evolved, discusses the obstacles to progress, and explores the potential benefits from greater integration. It argues that further economic integration through liberalization of trade and labor mobility can generate significant macroeconomic benefits, but slow progress in completing the institutional arrangements has hindered implementation of the essential components of the CSME and progress in economic integration. Advancing institutional integration through harmonization and rationalization of key institutions and processes can reduce the fixed costs of institutions, providing the needed scale and boost to regional integration. Greater cooperation in several functional policy areas where the region is facing common challenges can also provide low-hanging fruit, creating momentum toward full integration as the Community continues to address the obstacles to full economic integration.

A critical part of the history of regionalism in Latin America and the Caribbean is to be found in the widening of the economic and functional relationships among the English-speaking Caribbean to embrace other countries in the Greater Caribbean. Bringing together a range of international experts to explain the broad thrusts of CARICOM’s widening project and the opportunities and challenges it presents, the book pays particular attention to CARICOM’s relations with the French Caribbean territories. Providing a review of the pan-Caribbean landscape this volume notes the impact of these new relationships on internal CARICOM affairs; inter-regional/South-South cooperation; and political and legislative changes in European metropoles of the non-independent territories. It also contemplates recent developments in the region and globally, such as political instability in Brazil and Venezuela, Britain’s decision to leave the European Union and the policies of the Donald Trump administration. This edited collection will be an important resource for students and researchers in Latin American and Caribbean politics, economics, development, history and heritage.

No region of the world has been so affected as the Caribbean by the geopolitical and economic changes caused by the end of the Cold War and the impact of globalization. This book analyzes the problems of regionalization, integration and identity and the wide range of political, social and economic challenges facing the region. A masterpiece of concise and comprehensive analysis, rich in theoretical insights, this is required for all concerned with these issues in the Caribbean and the wider world.