CARICOM needs to deliver

President David Granger of Guyana said that the Community has found itself in a current international environment that was replete with uncertainty and complexity, and noted that this environment was an inescapable economic reality. He reminded members of the meeting that the CSME was the most ambitious project attempted by the Community, and given the present uncertainties facing the Region’s international relations, its implementation must be accelerated in order to create a single economic space. Chairman of the Conference, Prime Minister Keith Mitchell of Grenada, questioned whether the Community was sufficiently demonstrating active engagement in resolving the region’s challenges collectively, and opined that deepening partnerships through the CSME required that “we urgently dispel with the ‘knee jerk’ nationalistic responses in exchange for higher Community ideals in some key areas” and urged the closing of the political distance with “our regional constituents” at all levels of society.

It is apparent that a recurrent theme at these meetings is the recognition of the importance of unity and regional integration in the CARICOM. However, the day-to-day conduct of Caribbean affairs and foreign economic policy suggests an ideology based on individual economic survival, even at the expense of unity.

It was however, encouraging to note the proposals being put forward for consideration by the Heads of Government. These included discussions on the creation of a Single Information and Communication Technology Space (ICT) which it was noted “will be critical to our attainment of the Sustainable Development Goals, and for the region’s Digital Agenda 2025.” Heads of Government remain convinced that ICT stands to play a transformative role in fostering an integrated and inclusive digitally-enabled Caribbean Community. In that regard, they viewed the successful development of the Single ICT Space as a new dimension for CARICOM for addressing and inspiring the growing aspirations of citizens and defining the CARICOM Digital Agenda 2025 and beyond. Heads of Government therefore welcomed and approved the Draft Workplan for the Single ICT Space, and reiterated that this is a regional priority. The implementation of the workplan would provide an enabling environment for innovation to flourish; a larger market for investors; support sustainable increase in growth and jobs; enhance efficiency and increase access to higher value public services.

Heads of Government discussed key initiatives directed towards combating transnational organised crime which continued to be the most immediate and significant threat facing the region. They also acknowledged the consistent lag in growth performance between CARICOM States and other Small Island Developing States. They acknowledged, as well, the prevailing implementation challenges and implementation deficit which are critical constraints on sustainable growth and development in the Community.

Heads of Government received and endorsed the Human Resource Development 2030 Strategy which outlines actions for basic education, from early childhood through secondary, the tertiary sector and life-long learning in enabling CARICOM citizens to reach their full potential in their personal and working lives, thereby contributing to their families, communities and national and regional development. Heads of Government also supported the strengthening of domestic food production along with the promotion and consumption of nutritious indigenous foods. Members agreed to broaden engagement with Caribbean countries, companies and multilateral organizations to support a regional tourism marketing and development initiative, as well as to adopt and implement travel facilitation measures to stimulate economic growth.

CARCOM needs to spend time to communicate with the people of the member countries the plans and deliverables of the varied programmes. It must place emphasis on delivery and improving the lives of the people of the region. Its broad outline, while impressive, is only talk until delivery take place.