THE CARICOM delegation entered the Quebec City Summit of the Americas determined to have the position of small economies receive active support that went beyond mere words. And they made a bid for Cuba to be brought to the negotiating table. The regional grouping gained one but not the other, as the adoption by the leaders, excepting Venezuela's Hugo Chavez, of a democratic clause in the Summit Declaration, effectively excluded Cuba. Prime Minister Owen Arthur of Barbados claimed to be satisfied that "a framework was in place to protect the most vulnerable economies."
He was referring to the massive support offered by multilateral organisations during the Summit. The Inter-American Development Bank pledged US$45 billion over a five-year period while the World Bank offered US$14 billion over three years to support Summit programmes, for example. Hosts Canada gave some Cdn$191 million towards reducing poverty in the Americas. The US announced a Third Border Initiative with US$20 million in further support for HIV/AIDS work in the region.
CARICOM's failed lobby for Cuba hit a snag because of concerns about that country's human rights record, lack of acceptance of political parties and lack of a free press. Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien personally sought to involve Cuba but failed to persuade its government to make certain political gestures which would open the doors of integration to the communist state.
Nonetheless, the Caribbean Community has once again shown its mettle on the world stage. Speaking as one through the bright voices of Prime Ministers Arthur and Dr. Kenny Anthony of St Lucia, the region was able to bring meaningful contributions to the process. They demanded that smaller nations should be treated equitably and with respect and were rewarded with equal time at the same podium with giants such as the USA, Canada and Brazil and received a much-heralded financial package. Owen and Anthony shone while new-kid-on-the block US president George W. Bush "listened a lot and learned a lot" at his first Summit.
Yet as the Free Trade Area of the Americas train continues towards implementation by the agreed date of 2005, there are still fears that the private sector will be left behind. It is, indeed, time for the so-called 'engine of growth' to become informed and engaged in the process.
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