The Editor, Sir:

The hostility to the Caricom visa reflects Jamaican attitudes towards Caricom and the CSME in general. This may appear surprising given that economically Jamaica lags behind the other islands with higher levels of extreme poverty. However, this can be explained by the great physical distance between Jamaica and the other islands. Because of this there is very little interaction between Jamaicans and other members of Caricom.

In general, attitudes towards Caricom are positive in the eastern Caribbean. There is a tremendous movement of people in this part of the region, resulting in common heritage. For example the populations of Antigua, St. Lucia, St.Vincent, Trinidad and Barbados include large numbers of people from other islands. The recently expressed interest by St. Marteen to join the OECS emphasises this point.

As a result I believe the integration process will strengthen in the OECS and if Caricom does not make sufficient progress in this direction, Barbados will join the OECS followed by Trinidad. The eastern Caribbean should not wait on Jamaica.

I am, etc.,

MICHAEL SAVARIN

msavin@hotmail.com