By Andrew Smith, Staff ReporterOn July 4, 1973 the Treaty of Chaguaramas was signed which established the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
When it came into effect on August 1 of that year, it heralded a new chapter in a long history of Caribbean integration - following the populating of the region by Taino and Carib Amerindians, they in turn were followed - and decimated - by European colonisers.
Africans and Asians were then added to this cultural cauldron. After centuries of colonial rule, the second half of the 20th century saw the various Mother Countries loosening the cords of colonialism as the dependencies became a strain on the purse strings.
CARICOM now has 15 full members - Antigua and Bar-buda, the Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montser-rat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. From its initiation, CARICOM has had three main foci. These are:
The promotion of the integration of the economies of member states.
Co-ordinating the foreign policies of the independent member states.
Developing functional co-operation between states in social and human issues.
ECONOMIC INTEGRATION
After the failure of the West Indian Federation in 1962, political integration was seen as unfeasible, and many countries achieved political independence on their own. However, eco-nomic development required an integrated front. This led to the formation of the Caribbean Free Trade Area (CARIFTA) in 1968 which was seen as the first in a number of steps to the formation of a Caribbean Common Market. In 1972 regional leaders agreed to transform CARIFTA into the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), of which the Common Market is integral.
The last 30 years have seen the evolution of the region's economic integration. From the free trade area of CARIFTA, we are now faced with the formation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). This will allow the unfettered movement of goods, services, people and capital throughout the region without tariffs, resulting in a single economic space leading to a common economic and trade policy. It will also require the harmonisation of the economic, monetary and fiscal policies of all CARICOM member states. It is hoped that this will catalyse these countries' sustainable economic development.
Prime Minister of Barbados Owen Arthur re-emphasised that even united, CARICOM has small and fragile economies. Therefore it is imperative that Caribbean states face the economic challenges of the 21st century together.
FOREIGN POLICY
The 30 years of CARICOM's existence has encompassed many international events. 1973 saw the world oil crisis which resulted in the price of petroleum jumping by 400 per cent in 48 hours. This played havoc on the fragile economies of the region, and forced countries such as Jamaica to forge unilateral partnerships with Venezuela to obtain petroleum. This angered Eric Williams of Trinidad & Tobago who referred disparagingly to these "pilgrimages to Caracas".
The 1970s and 1980s saw CARICOM being involved in the Cold War. The highlight of this period was the events which resulted in the United States-led invasion of Grenada. 1979 saw Maurice Bishop coming to power in a coup d'etat. Although he was a socialist leader, the rest of CARICOM did not have much of a problem dealing with him. This, as he was committed to CARICOM and was seen as a responsible leader. However, 1983 saw the imprisonment of Bishop by Bernard Coard, who was seen as more radical, with possible ties to communist Cuba. When Bishop was killed, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) appealed to
the United States who invaded Grenada with the support of some CARICOM countries. The Bahamas, Guyana, Belize and Trinidad & Tobago opposed the invasion.
The end of the Cold War saw a reduction in the interest which the United States has in the region, as it now has no major strategic value to them. With the onset of the "War on Terror" and the hawks now in control of The White House, the United States is attempting to safeguard its citizens from what it sees as possible victimisation. At the 24 Heads of Government meeting on this week in Montego Bay, St. James, reports are that the United States is requesting CARICOM support as it seeks exemption for its citizens from the International Criminal Court. Trinidad and Tobago, one of the countries which spearheaded the establishment of the court at the United Nations, has already stated that it will support such exemption.
FUNCTIONAL CO-OPERATION
CARICOM's greatest successes to date can be seen in terms of how the region has united to tackle social and human issues. Standing Committees of Min-isters for health, education, labour, agriculture, industry and transportation exist under Article 12 of the Treaty of Chaguara-mas. Educational success is seen in the implementation of the Caribbean Examination Coun-cil's exams to replace the UK-based 'O' and 'A' level exams, in the regions high schools. The University of the West Indies and the University of Guyana have provided tertiary education for over 50 years. The University Hospital of the West Indies is the main teaching hospital for the region's medical personnel.
The major challenge currently facing the region is the establishment of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). The CCJ is to replace the United Kingdom's Privy Council as the Caribbean's final appeal court. It is also seen as being necessary for interpreting laws unique to the region arising from the CSME and the general process of Caribbean integration.
The world of the 21st century is reflecting the growth of trade blocs and common markets. CARICOM has to unite in order to have a more powerful voice on the international stage, as well as to enable its citizens to retain their identity as an island People who are unique yet united.
United States who invaded Grenada with the support of some CARICOM countries. The Bahamas, Guyana, Belize and Trinidad & Tobago opposed the invasion.
The end of the Cold War saw a reduction in the interest which the United States has in the region, as it now has no major strategic value to them. With the onset of the "War on Terror" and the hawks now in control of The White House, the United States is attempting to safeguard its citizens from what it sees as possible victimisation. At the 24th Heads of Government meeting on this week in Montego Bay, St. James, reports are that the United States is requesting CARICOM support as it seeks exemption for its citizens from the International Criminal Court. Trinidad and Tobago, one of the countries which spearheaded the establishment of the court at the United Nations, has already stated that it will support such exemption.
FUNCTIONAL CO-OPERATION
CARICOM's greatest successes to date can be seen in terms of how the region has united to tackle social and human issues. Standing Committees of Min-isters for health, education, labour, agriculture, industry and transportation exist under Article 12 of the Treaty of Chaguara-mas. Educational success is seen in the implementation of the Caribbean Examination Coun-cil's exams to replace the UK-based 'O' and 'A' level exams, in the regions high schools. The University of the West Indies and the University of Guyana have provided tertiary education for over 50 years. The University Hospital of the West Indies is the main teaching hospital for the region's medical personnel.
The major challenge currently facing the region is the establishment of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). The CCJ is to replace the United Kingdom's Privy Council as the Caribbean's final appeal court. It is also seen as being necessary for interpreting laws unique to the region arising from the CSME and the general process of Caribbean integration.
The world of the 21st century is reflecting the growth of trade blocs and common markets. CARICOM has to unite in order to have a more powerful voice on the international stage, as well as to enable its citizens to retain their identity as an island people who are unique yet united.
