One Caribbean
Examine the role of individual citizens, business organisations and governments in the integration process.
State the functions of: a. OECS Secretariat b. CARICOM Secretariat c. Conference of Heads of Government
Explain the role of regional agencies in the integration process.
Regional integration is the process by which two or more nation states agree to cooperate and work closely to achieve peace, stability and wealth. Usually, integration involves one or more written agreements that describe the areas of cooperation in detail, as well as some coordinating bodies representing the countries involved. This cooperation usually begins with economic integration and, as it continues, comes to include political integration. Regional integration in the Caribbean is mainly through the Caribbean Community or CARICOM. In addition, member states in the subregion are members of the Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). www.caribbeanelections.com/education/integration/default.asp
WHAT ROLE DOES THE INDIVIDUAL CITIZEN PLAY IN THE INTEGRATION PROCESS?
Everyone should play a role in a society. Every country needs individuals who will establish and run business ventures offering employment, bases for productivity, and exportation of goods and services. As individual citizens, when we get involved in the regional integration process, it will help us to:
Reduce the inequality of wealth distribution, as we ensure that we are economically productive, lead a fulfilled life, and develop skills and experiences that will help us to make a contribution to the region.
Increase market size in the region, as we choose to purchase from regional producers and service providers instead of buying the same products and using the same service offered by other countries around the world.
Carry out the rules regarding the free movement of labour, capital and the right to establish regional businesses, all of which are intended to encourage the expansion of trade within the region.
Enhance solidarity in the region, as individuals use capital, skills and expertise in the region where it is needed and, thereby, enhancing the economy of that country and, in the end, the region.
We must, as citizens, ensure that we are informed about the aims, objectives and processes of the integration/regional process.
BUSINESS ORGANISATIONS HAVE A BIG ROLE IN THE INTEGRATION PROCESS
These are very vital in the integration process. There must always be healthy competition in the region; this will encourage others to be a part of the drive to increase productivity in the region. The goods and services that we provide should be of a high standard, and we must be able to compete in international markets. Along with quality goods, there must be wider choices and aggressive advertising campaigns so that CARICOM markets can be visible on the international market. As business operators and those wanting to start their own businesses, we must grasp every opportunity to invest in the region. Citizens’ investment in the region creates loyalty and enhances support.
There are also major benefits to be gained from our business operation, such as:
Reduction in unemployment and underemployment. This is so as employment plays a central role in the integration process, as it allows citizens to make visible their contribution in providing goods and services in the region.
Improved levels of international competitiveness.
Expansion of trade.
Better response to economic implications of globalisation and trade liberalisation.
THE ROLE OF GOVERNMENT IN THE INTEGRATION PROCESS
Heads of governments have a vital role to play in the integration process. The integration movement is intended to achieve certain objectives, such as:
The improvement in the quality of life for all citizens in the region.
Setting up a framework to enable the setting of strategic goals.
Adopting common policies, such as functional and economic cooperation. Such policies are needed to stimulate and encourage private-sector activities.
Ensuring that adequate and suitable information is made available to citizens.
In the Caribbean region, the governments must play the following roles for the integration process to realise that there is ‘strength in unity’.
The granting of work permits and qualification recognition will help to promote a feeling of oneness and cooperation, enacting policies that will make it possible to encourage work and travel in the region.
Enacting policies in the region that should avoid any form of discrimination.
Honour all protocols by ensuring that the treaties signed be observed, and also make great effort to avoid insularity and, thereby, think about the region despite territorial obligations.
‘Sell’ the integrative process effictively through education. Individual citizens have the right to be informed about the aims and objectives of this process, and it is the duty of the governments to make this information available.
THE OECS SECRETARIAT
The general administration of the organisation is coordinated by the secretariat under the direction and management of the director general. 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 in six countries: Antigua/Barbuda, Commonwealth of Dominica, St Lucia, Belgium, Canada, and the United States of America.
THE CARICOM SECRETARIAT
This is the principal administrative organ of the community. The CARICOM Secretariat is located in Guyana. It is directed by the secretary general, who is regarded as the chief executive officer of the community.
MISSION STATEMENT
“To provide dynamic leadership and service, in partnership with community institutions and groups, towards the attainment of a viable, internationally competitive and sustainable community, with improved quality of life for all”.
Some of the functions of the CARICOM Secretariat:
1. Conduct, as mandated, fact-finding assignments in member states.
2. Prepare the draft budget of the community for examination by the Budget Committee.
3. Provide, on request, services to member states of the community on matters relating to the achievement of its objectives.
4. Initiate, organise and conduct studies on issues for the achievement of the objectives of the community.
5. Provide on request, technical assistance to national authorities to facilitate implementation of community decisions.
6. Initiate or develop proposals for consideration and decisions by competent organs in order to achieve community objectives.
7. Mobilise resources from donor agencies to assist in the implementation of community programmes.
8. Collect store and disseminate relevant information to member states.
CONFERENCE OF HEADS OF GOVERNMENT
The Conference of Heads of Government consists of the heads of government of member states. It serves as the highest decision-making body in CARICOM. The conference is:
1. Responsible for determining and providing the policy direction for the entire community.
2. The final authority on questions arising concerning the financial affairs of the community in order to meet the expenses of the community.
3. The final authority for the conclusion of treaties on behalf of the community.
4. Establishes procedures for consulting with other entities and organisations within the Caribbean.
SOME AREAS OF REGIONAL COOPERATION
CARICOM countries jointly operate and share common services and cooperate in functional matters such as health,
education, culture, sports, security, communications, disaster management and industrial relations.
ACTIVITIES
Complete the following table:
1. After completing the table above, explain why integration is necessary for the prosperity of the Caribbean region.
2. Suggest TWO new areas of functional cooperation in which Caribbean countries may become involved: Explain your suggestion as to how it will be beneficial to the region.
3. Research the following: The Regional Development Fund, noting when it was established, its aims and objectives.