Growth of a region
OBJECTIVES: State the functions of: a. The OECS secretariat b. The CARICOM Secretariat c. The Conference of Heads of Government
DEFINITION OF TERMS
Regional integration is a process in which neighboring states enter into an agreement in order to upgrade cooperation through common institutions and rules. They agree to cooperate and work closely together to achieve peace, stability, and wealth.
Regional – a bloc or geographic region/area that has things in common.
Integration – coming together for a common purpose
STAGES IN THE INTEGRATION MOVEMENT
West Indies Federation, Political Integration.
When nations join with others in a trade or political bloc, they give up some national sovereignty.
The first attempt at integration in the region.
1956 - 1962
Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA) was formed in 1968.
Free Trade
Its aim was to foster economic and social development by enabling free trade among the member states.
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) economic integration effort
CARICOM was formed on July 4, 1973.
It started with the Treaty of Chaguaramas, which was signed by the prime ministers of Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Organisations of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS)
This was established on June 18, 1981, with the signing of the
Treaty of Basseterre.
Association of Caribbean States (ACS)
The Convention of Cartagena de Las Indias was signed in July
1994 to set up the ACS. The ACS inauguration summit meeting was held in August 1995 when the convention was formally ratified.
CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME)
This is an agreement that allows CARICOM goods, services, people, and capital to move through the Caribbean Community without any restrictions or government taxation.
It was established with the revision of the Treaty of Chaguaramas in 1989.
The purpose of the CSME was to establish a single economy system among the member states of CARICOM.
BENEFITS OF REGIONAL INTEGRATION
1. The ability to be able to better negotiate against rich powerful countries. ‘Unity is strength.’
2. Increase cooperation among islands, so we can work together to achieve more .
3. With a reduction of the negative effects associated with globalisation by working together and trading together, we can offset many of the problems faced due to globalisation.
4. Been able to better compete internationally as we are seen as a big body, though with many little countries. As small countries, we may not have the same big voice we have as a group.
5. Each island has more persons to sell its goods to apart from those within its borders. This is so as we buy and sell from each other.
6. Our quality of life will improve as we all have of access to a variety of goods ad services.
7. During times of crises and need, we are well perpared, as we have developed a variety of organisation that respond to the needs of each island.
8. We now, to a large extent, have freedom of travel among islands to find work.
The Functions of OECS and CARICOM secretariats and the Conference of Heads of Government.
OECS
The OECS administrative body, the central secretariat, is located in St. Lucia. It is headed by the director general.
The major division within the OECS oversees the strategic operations of the organisation and the work of a number of specialised institutions, work units, or projects in a number of countries.
The Secretariat consists of four main Divisions responsible for: external relations, functional cooperation, corporate services and economic affairs
These four divisions oversee the work of a number of specialised institutions, work units or projects located various countries.
It assists its members to respond to multifaceted challenges by identifying scope for joint or coordinated action towards the economic and social advancement of their countries in response to the rapidly changing conditions in the international economy.
CARICOM
The CARICOM secretariat is the headquarters of CARICOM. It is located in Georgetown, Guyana. The Secretary general is the head of this organisation.
It is responsible for the implementation of decisions that are taken by any CARICOM body.
It initiates, organises, and conducts research on issues that are related to economic integration.
It is the organization that prepares estimates of expenditure for any project that relates to CARICOM objectives. It helps in obtaining resources from donor agencies that will assist in the implementation of community programmes.
It makes the arrangements to facilitate meetings of any CARICOM body. It collects, stores, and disseminates relevant information to member states.
It initiates and develops proposals for consideration and decision by the relevant organs.
It provides services to its members on various communityrelated matters.
It provides, on request, technical assistance to the national authorities in member countries to facilitate the implementation of community decisions.
CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF GOVERNMENT
This body consists of heads of government of the member states. It is the supreme organ of the Community and provides policy direction.
It is the final authority for the drawing up of treaties on behalf of the Community.
The conference may consult with entities within the Caribbean region or with other organisations.
It also considers and resolves disputes that may occur between member states.
It can also issue policy directives of a general or special character to other organs and bodies of the Community.
It is responsible for establishing bodies it considers necessary for the achievement of the objectives of the Community.
It is responsible to take the necessary decisions that will establish the financial arrangements that become necessary to defray the expenses of the Community.
ACTIVITIES
1. Suggest two other ways that CARICOM countries should integrate.
2. Explain why integration is important to Caribbean countries.
3. Suggest three reasons why there are problems in the Caribbean Integration movement.