Considering Special and Differential Treatment for Disadvantaged Countries, Regions and Sectors

Notwithstanding the laudable objectives of the Caricom Single Market and Economy, a xenophobic culture among its constituents has threatened to undermine the CSME, even before its inception. Although boastful of its regional identity and interdependence, the xenophobia and dependence that has long plague this emancipated region, has instigated a myopic insistence on special and differential treatment for countries, regions and sectors disadvantaged under the system.

It is beyond challenge, that the proposed regional trading arrangements would lack equity and prospects for longevity, if it made no allowance for special and differential treatment. However, arguments for special and differential treatment Considering Special and Differential Treatment for Disadvantaged Contries, Regions and Sectors continues

The Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) -Towards a Constructive Debate on Managing Change:

Exploiting the Advantages and Overcoming the Disadvantages

Regional Integration is our Best Alternative

Why did the West Indian Federation fail? Many responses have been proffered to this much deliberated question and I wish to submit my own view on the issue albeit without possibility for resolution. While the notions expressed by the many commentators are germane to the issue, in my view, the principle reason for the failure of the West Indian Federation was that the Federation remained at that time optional as a mechanism for ensuring the advancement and survival of its constituents. A situation, which I dare say, has changed, due to recent developments affecting global trade. At that time, constituents were not pursuing nor were there significant pressure to pursue a common regional trade, economic and development agenda. Principally, there was there no commitment among its constituents to refrain from adopting actions, policies and positions that would undermine or derail the objectives of the Federation. Changes in the global trade environment now dictate regional integration as a critical mechanism for ensuring the survival of its constituents. In the absence of such or similar alliance, the economic viability of that constituent is significantly threatened.

Perhaps there was no principle factor that led to the collapse of the Caricom Federation and its demise was really the result of cumulative factors. In the absence of finite diagnosis, many remain concerned as to...more on Exploiting the Advantages and Overcoming the Disadvantages

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