THE INTEGRATION

MOVEMENT
CONTENT 4
BY: ARYA RAMNARACE
 What is Regional Integration?

• Regional integration refers to the process through which countries

within a particular geographic area work together to promote
economic, political and social cooperation. This often includes
reducing trade barriers, harmonizing policies and creating common
institutions to foster mutual development and stability.

• The integration movement within the English speaking Caribbean has

evolved overtime.
 The West Indies Federation (1958- 1962)
• A federation is a union of self governing territories which are states or nations in their own right. The
federation was the first attempt in achieving political union among the various British colonies. Guyana,
Belize, Bahamas and the Virgin Islands were not in participation.

• The capital was established in Port of Spain with the British Lord Hailes as Governor General and Sir
Grantley Adams of Barbados as the Prime Minister. A senate and a federal house of representatives was
established. From the inception. The Federation suffered from inadequate financing and overtime there
was increasing alienation between the federal authorities and local governing bodies.

• The Federation quickly collapsed as conflict rose involving Jamaica and Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad
and Tobago refused to accept unrestricted freedom of movement as other countries would flock to the
twin-island state. Jamaica refused to accept a binding union custom and a referendum was held in 1961.
Shortly after the redrawal of Jamaica then Trinidad and Tobago, the other members abandoned the
federation.
 What did the Federation give rise to?
• The University of the West Indies ((UWI) was established as a regional tertiary
learning institution.
• The Regional Shipping Service controlled the operation of two ships which were
donated by the government of Canada in 1962.
• The Caribbean Meteorological Service was established in 1963 and was replaced
by the Caribbean Meteorological Organization (CMO) in 1973.
• Special arrangements were made for the islands of the Eastern Caribbean through
the West Indies Associated States (WISA) and Eastern Caribbean Common Market
(ECCM).
 CARIFTA (1968)
• Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Barbados and Guyana achieved independence by
1968 and their leaders were motivated by ideas of decolonization, nationalism, self
determination and economic development. They agreed to try a form of economic
integration which focused on only trade by removing trade barriers or tariffs on
intra-regional trade in goods produced within the region.
• It was formed in 1968 involving Anguilla, Antigua, Barbados, British Honduras,
Belize (1977), Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia,
Montserrat, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago.
• Two of its major achievements were the establishment of the Commonwealth
Caribbean Regional Secretariat in 1968 and the Caribbean Development Bank in
1969.
 CARICOM (1973)
• CARIFTA was replaced by CARICOM as Caribbean leaders found it necessary to deepen
links within the region not only in free trade but also common market. The Treaty of
Chaguaramas brought forward the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM)
into existence.

• It was established based off of a common market where there was external free trade, a
common external tariff and some provisions made for the eventual removal of restrictions on
the movement of capital and labor within the region. It continues to bring regional integration
into the Caribbean.

• There are 15 full members and 5 associate members. These are: Antigua and Barbuda,
Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and
Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. The
associate states are: Anguilla, Bermuda, BVI, Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos.
 Organization of Eastern Caribbean States
(OECS 1981)
• The Treaty of Bassettere gave rise to the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States among
seven island states. These were Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St.
Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. These states were smaller
less developed countries which allowed them to acquire a sense of unity and identity.
• Today, the OECS is a recognized subregional grouping within the CARICOM. These LDCs
come together to pool their resources and to promote development among the member
states. The aim of the OECS is to work for full economic union with free movement of
people, goods, services and capital. These islands are susceptible to the impact of natural
disasters.
• They have achieved a single currency, a central bank, a single judicial system and a joint
civil aviation authority along with incentives in health, education and environment.
 Association of Caribbean States (1994)

• This association was established among 25 member nations in the Caribbean.

Together they form the world’s fourth largest trading bloc and their main aim
is to promote economic cooperation and encourage a coordinated approach to
issues of importance. It was established on the basis of addressing challenges
in areas such as trade, sustainable development, tourism and the environment
in the Caribbean and Central American countries. The secretariat of the ACS
is located in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago.
 Achievements of CARICOM
• Regional Integration: CARICOM has worked towards economic and political integration in the Caribbean.
This gave rise to the CSME which allows for the free movement of goods, services, people and capital within
member states.
• Promotion of Caribbean identity and unity: it has played a critical role in promoting a shared Caribbean
identity, fostering regional pride and cultural cooperation.
• Caribbean Development Fund (CDF): this was established by CARICOM to help provide financial assistance
to the less developed countries within the region, to promote economic and social development.
• Regional Health Cooperation: the establishment of CARPHA Caribbean Public Health Agency allows health
issues to be addressed across the region such as promoting public health and managing pandemics.
• Education and human development: the community has supported educational initiatives such as the
establishment of the University of the West Indies (UWI) as a regional institution for tertiary education.
• Disaster Management and Resilience: the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA)
enhances the region’s preparedness and response to natural disasters.
 Challenges of CARICOM

• Economic Disparities Among Member States: Due to CARICOM involving both small and large territories,
there is a significant disparity in economic size, resources and developmental levels. This makes policy making
a difficult process as it may not benefit all members equally.
• Political Differences and Governance: the diverse political systems and governance structures among
CARICOM members results in divergent views on regional issues. Disagreements on economic policies, trade
agreements, and other initiatives can slow decision making and hinder cooperation.
• Internal Mobility and Migration: many challenges exist in terms of labor mobility and the recognition of
professional qualifications. Issues such as immigration restrictions, limited employment and differences in
social policies can hinder regional integration.
• Dependency on External Markets: CARICOM’s dependence on foreign sectors for tourism, agriculture and
services leaves the region vulnerable to global economic shifts such as recessions and trade wars. External
economic pressures build a strong independent regional economy.
 Achievements of UWI
• Educational impact: UWI has produced thousands of graduates wh0 are leaders in various
fields of medicine, law, business and politics.
• Regional integration: it plays a critical role in fostering regional integration and
development across the Caribbean. It brings together students from all around the
Caribbean, promoting a sense of shared identity.
• Cultural preservation and promotion: UWI has played a major role in preservation and
promotion of Caribbean culture, history and identity through various programs, institutes
and events.
• Global recognition and expanding global reach: UWI is ranked among the top universities
in the Latin America and the Caribbean. Their programs have reached beyond the
Caribbean, attracting international students and collaborating with global universities.
 Challenges of UWI
• Access and equity: the cost of education, limited scholarships and financial aid options can restrict access,
particularly for students from low income backgrounds. There is also a need to improve representation from all
Caribbean nations, particularly smaller or less developed islands.
• Brain Drain: many UWI graduates seek opportunities abroad due to better job prospects and higher salaries
contributing to the region’s ongoing brain drain.
• Regional Disparities: there are struggles with disparities in resources, infrastructure and academic offerings.
Some campuses such as Mona in Jamaica may have more access to resources. This leads to inequalities in
student experiences and research opportunities.
• Globalization and Technological Advancements: the rise of digital learning and remote education poses both
opportunities and challenges. Although strides have been made in online learning, there is a need for adaptation
to technical and digital advancements.
• Political Interference: UWI’s autonomy has sometimes been threatened by political interference from regional
governments. Political tensions can affect the university’s operations, funding and long term strategic goals.
 Achievements of CXC

• Standardization of regional examinations: CXC introduced exams for secondary school

students in the Caribbean. These exams are CSEC and CAPE which are recognized across
the Caribbean nations and by international institutions.
• Expanded offerings: CXC has expanded its range of subjects and qualifications to cater to
diverse academic and vocational needs.
• Promoting equity: CXC has played a role in promoting equity in education by making
exams accessible to all Caribbean nations, regardless of their socio-economic background.
• Incorporation of technology: CXC has made attempts to incorporate technology into the
examination and assessment process.
 Challenges of CXC

• Regional disparities in education: some countries may face varying levels of resources in their
education systems. Some schools have access to modern technology while others are unfunded and
lack proper infrastructure. There is also variabilities in teaching across the region.
• Incorporating emerging fields: CXC faces the challenge of introducing new subjects and
qualifications to address fields of biotechnology and renewable energy.
• Maintaining the integrity of exams: CXC faces challenges related to cheating and plagiarism. There
is also a pressing issue of securing the delivery of exam papers to prevent leaks. These issues
undermine the credibility of the exam system and cause unequal opportunities for students.
• Financial constraints: The rising costs of delivering exams, managing large scale assessments and
implementing new incentives can cause a financial burden on CXC.
Achievements of the West Indies Cricket Board
(WICB)
• Dominance in international cricket: the West Indies were two time ICC Cricket World Cup
champions in 1975 and 1979. They also hold victories in World Champions 20/20 Cricket
in 2012 and 2016.
• Development of talents of world class players: WICB has produced many exceptional
cricketers like Brian Lara, Clive Lloyd, Kieron Pollard and Shivnarine Chanderpaul.
• Regional development of sporting tournaments: Caribbean Premier League (CPL) has
become one of the premier T20 leagues in the world. This causes a boost in tourism,
employment and revenue across the region.
• Development of modern infrastructure: WICB has overseen the construction of several
cricket stadiums in the Caribbean such as Kensington Oval and Queen’s Park Oval.
 Challenges of the West Indies Cricket Board
(WICB)
• Financial management: financial instability and mismanagement have been recurring issues. The
board struggled with securing revenue streams leading to difficulties in maintaining facilities and
maintaining player welfare.
• Lack of infrastructure: while some Caribbean islands have world class stadiums, others suffer from
poor infrastructure for training and development of this sport.
• Political influence: politics in the Caribbean sometimes plays a role in influencing decision making
processes and selection of players. This results in power struggles and a conflict of interest.
• Inconsistent team performance: their performance in international cricket has been inconsistent. This
caused a decline in the popularity in the region as fans are disillusioned with the team’s
performance.
 Achievements of Caribbean Institute of Media
and Communication (CARIMAC)
• Quality education and training: CARIMAC offers undergraduate degrees and graduate
degrees in fields like media and communication studies as well as public relations.
• Building the media industry in the Caribbean: it has been instrumental in building capacity
within the Caribbean media sector by offering workshops, conferences and seminars.
• International collaborators: CARIMAC has developed partnerships with international
institutions, organizations and media houses. This has helped to strengthen the regional
media network and provided students with exposure to global media practices.
• Economy growth: CARIMAC has supported the growth of the Caribbean’s creative
economy by training professionals who contribute to this sector.
Challenges of Caribbean Institute of Media and
Communication (CARIMAC)
• Dependence on government funding: given the institutional budget,
CARIMAC’s ability to implement large scale projects can be restricted by
economic fluctuations of national government.
• Upgrading equipment and technology: keeping up to date with the latest
media technologies can be difficult due to financial constraints and the rapid
pace of the global media industry.
• Brain drain: many talented graduates seek job opportunities abroad which
depletes the region of skilled media professionals.
Achievements of CARICOM Single Market and
Economy (CSME)
• Free movement of people: the facilitation of free movement of skilled workers within the region has
been one of the core factors of CSME. This includes highly skilled professionals such as teachers,
nurses and engineers.
• Trade liberalization: CSME has contributed to removing trade barriers between member states,
promoting a more integrated regional market. This is achieved by eliminating tariffs and
harmonizing trade regulations.
• Establishment of a single economy: this allows the free movement of goods, services and people by
improving economic integration. Member states pool their resources to have a combined market.
• Regional integration: the CSME has led to stronger economic cooperation between CARICOM
member states, with shared regional solutions to issues.
 Challenges of CARICOM Single Market and
Economy (CSME)
• Cultural and social differences: while the Caribbean region shares many similarities,
there are also major differences in culture, history and socialization of member
states. This creates a challenge in forging bonds between nations.
• External global forces: global economic challenges such as fluctuations in
commodity prices and external trade agreements can undermine the stability and
growth of the regional economy.
• Trade barriers: while the CSME aims to reduce trade barriers, policies and non-tariff
barriers, it still exists in some member states. These barriers hinder the smooth flow
of goods and services within the region.
Achievements of the Regional Security System
(RSS)
• Countering regional threats and threats to national security: they have played a vital
role in responding to security threats, such as organized crime, drug trafficking and
human trafficking.
• Stabilization of the region: the RSS provided critical support for restoring law and
order. One of the most notable achievements was their involvement in the US-led
invasion in Grenada, 1983.
• Improved maritime and air security: the RSS has significantly improved maritime
and air security in the Eastern Caribbean, particularly against drug trafficking and
illegal immigration.
 Challenges of the Regional Security System
(RSS)
• Political and national differences: the RSS requires a high degree of political will
and cooperation among member states, but political differences and national
interests sometimes complicate coordination.
• Uneven national security: member states vary in terms of their military and police
forces. Smaller nations often lack the expertise and equipment needed to fully
contribute to regional security.
• Transnational drug trafficking: the Caribbean is a transshipment point for illicit
drugs and money laundering which poses a major threat. Due to the lack of
resources, it if difficult to effectively tackle these challenges.
 Achievements of the Caribbean Development
Bank (CDB)
• Promoting economic development: the CDB has provided financial support to
numerous projects aimed at fostering economic growth and sustainable development
across the region.
• Infrastructure development: the CDB has funded major infrastructure projects in
transport (roads, ports airports), energy (renewable energy projects) and water
management systems. This boosts productivity in the region and connectivity.
• Regional poverty reduction: through various development programs, CDB has
worked toward reducing poverty in the Caribbean. This has been achieved through
investments, rural development and social protection programs.
Challenges of the Caribbean Development Bank
(CDB)
• Member state debt burdens: many Caribbean nations are heavily indebted with
limited abilities to borrow capital and invest in projects. This reduces the capacity to
repay loans, complicating the CDB’s lending operations and affecting financial
stability.
• Natural disasters and climate change: the region is extremely prone to natural
disasters like hurricanes and earthquakes which cause significant economic
setbacks.
• Economic inequality: there are significant disparities in economic development
among the Caribbean’s member states. Some countries face higher levels of poverty
and unemployment than others.