Caricom View 40Th Anniversary Edition

40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION JULY 2013 LAYING THE GROUNDWORK FOR A COMMUNITY FOR ALL Founding Fathers, from left, the Hon. Errol Barrow, Prime Minister of Barbados, the Hon. Forbes Burnham, Prime Minister of Guyana, the Hon. Eric Williams, Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago and the Hon. Michael Manley, Prime Minister of Jamaica, sign the Treaty of Chaguaramas on July 4th, 1973. Table of Contents

Celebration and Renewal 04 Foreword by Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, the Hon Kamla Persad-Bissessar

The Community from 1973 to 2013 - And Beyond 05 Perspective by Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, The Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas 04 Moving resolutely forward, together 07 Ambassador Irwin LaRocque

‘All hands must be on deck’ 09 Sir Edwin Carrington, former Secretary-General, Caribbean Community

In the beginning 10 24 Sir Shridath Ramphal

Integration an Imperative 12 The Most Hon Percival J. Patterson

The Caribbean Community at 40 17 By Professor Sir Kenneth Hall

Human Development, Functional Cooperation and the 19 Science of Delivery By Dr. Edward Greene

CXC at 40 – Celebrating accomplishments: 24 continuing the journey By Cleveland Sam

Climate Change: The Caribbean Experience 28 By Dr. Ken Leslie 31 41 The Community through the years – pictorial 29 Culture and Integration 37 His Excellency Desire Delano Bouterse, President of the Republic of Suriname

Food for thought: the Caribbean’s culinary culture 39 By Janice Maison

Music as Regional Glue 42 By Dave Martins

Sport: Solidifying our Common Caribbean Bonds 43 By Keith Joseph 59 Reflecting on the past; embracing the present; 48 creating the future By Dwayne Gutzmer, Cindy Ferla Morquette, and Tamira Browne

The Caribbean Community Secretariat: 52 From Colgrain to Turkeyen

Secretaries-General of the Caribbean Community 55 CARICOM VIEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

2 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION CARICOM VIEW

3 CARICOM VIEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION Celebration and Renewal Foreword by the Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC, MP, Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community and Prime Minister of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago on the occasion of the 40th Anniversary of CARICOM

orty years ago, four visionary trade and economic destiny. I commend leaders of the Region charted an the foresight that informs our occasional ambitious course for the Com- altered course to gain traction from and monwealth Caribbean. In a tan- respond to the increasingly mercurial in- gible step to take charge of their ternational environment. It has also in- Fdestiny, they charted a course towards formed our determination to reform our economic integration and a new path to structures to meet the demands of the development that was deemed an abso- new age and most importantly the expec- lute necessity at that time given our size tations of our citizens. and resource base and international developments. The time is ripe therefore, for us, as we celebrate our 40th year of existence, to It is with pride that we celebrate a mile- reflect on and renew that vision, which stone anniversary of the establishment still remains our most viable option for of the Caribbean Community (CAR- growth and development; a vision of uni- ICOM). It is my distinct pleasure and ty, of selfless leadership, of shared eco- great privilege to be Chair of the Com- nomic prosperity, of advanced political munity and to host this 34th Meeting of and social standing based on the tenets of the Conference of Heads of Government democracy and a Community for All. The on the 40th Anniversary of the signing of time is ripe, as we look forward to the next the Treaty of Chaguaramas which estab- 40 years, for us to recommit ourselves to lished CARICOM. fashioning a Community of which we can all continue to be proud, a Community Fortuitously, the Conference of Heads of built on the foundation of a robust social, Government convenes in Port of Spain cultural, legal and political environment, this year, a stone’s throw away from characterized by a healthy, highly-educat- Chaguaramas where those four visionar- ed, technologically-savvy populace, forg- ies affixed their signatures to our Found- ing new and innovative routes to deeper ing Treaty, an act that Dr. Eric Williams, regional integration. The time is ripe for then Prime Minister of Trinidad and To- us to consider practical ways of ensuring bago and a CARICOM founding father, that our people enjoy the benefits and im- described as “an historic step in the long, pact of their Caribbean Community. arduous road in the movement for Carib- bean integration”. Trinidad and Tobago reaffirms its firm Honourable Kamla Persad-Bissessar SC, commitment to CARICOM and regional MP, Chairman of the Conference of Heads Indeed, the road has been long and ardu- integration, and stands ready to continue of Government of the Caribbean Commu- ous marked with milestones of achieve- its leadership role as our Caribbean Com- nity and Prime Minister of the Republic of ments. I applaud the strides we have munity moves inexorably forward to the Trinidad and Tobago. made through functional cooperation - in next forty years and beyond education, in health, in culture, in sport, . in security; in forging, as far as possible, a coordinated foreign policy; in shaping our

4 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION CARICOM VIEW The Community from 1973 to 2013 - and beyond

By the Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis

ven the most far-reaching ac- continue to move forward. complishments have their gene- sis in man’s capacity to imagine CARICOM is a work in progress. And what has never been. All ad- so should it be. All beings and entities, vances begin as a spark within as long as they are alive and dynamic, Ethe human mind, and this, too, explains are by definition works in progress. The the evolution of the abstract idea that has raison d’etre of the Caribbean Commu- since become the Caribbean Community nity, however, remains incontestable. And (CARICOM). the global crises of the past four decades have underscored the wisdom of the Re- For eighteen years, I have had the honour gion having formulated and embraced a of joining forces with the leaders whom framework for a shared vision through the people of the Caribbean have elected integration. to advance the interests of their respective nations. And I have always understood There is broad-based agreement at the that with the assumption of our national policy level that functional cooperation responsibilities as Caribbean Prime Min- in such critical areas as health, security, isters, we were simultaneously assuming trade, and human resource development, a shared responsibility to protect and is essential. However, the pace of Re- advance the interests of the wider CARI- gional integration would be accelerated COM as well. by a more broadly-based realization and acceptance of this by the millions of Car- We are clearly farther along the road to ibbean nationals whose life prospects have integration today than we were 40 years been, and will continue to be, enhanced ago. The Caribbean Court of Justice, for due to the existence of CARICOM. It is example, being just one manifestation the people’s full embrace of the idea of of our movement away from traditional integration that will determine the actu- dependencies. However, we must contin- al pace and process of implementation in ue to work hard to ensure that Member the months and years ahead. As Regional States’ reconciling of their national and Governments, therefore, we must contin- regional responsibilities keeps pace with ue to collaborate with the Secretariat the guiding ethos of the Community. The with a view to intensifying the commu- CARICOM has no room for insularity nications and public education processes. or a “they” versus “us” bias, based on size And we must ensure that the thrust and Rt. Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas and resources. These are the stumbling apparatus chosen for the dissemination Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis blocks that CARICOM was designed to of the integration message reach beyond confront and overcome. And it is on the the capitols of Member States and the Caribbean Single Market and Economy technocrats of our respective societies, (CSME), with its ability to deepen and and touch the hearts and minds of every strengthen regional integration, that the Caribbean man and woman. Region must rely if we are to completely dismantle all such stumbling blocks and Some twenty years ago, Sir Shridath

5 CARICOM VIEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Ramphal and the West Indian Com- important manifestations of our strong dinary efforts we undertook, AIDS-relat- mission declared that it was “Time for links in this regard, and the EU, in pared deaths in the Caribbean have fallen by Action”. Twenty years later, in this era ticular, has contributed substantially to 50%, a fact duly noted in the UNAIDS of increasing globalization, ever-inten- the strength of the Secretariat and the Report for 2012. And CARICOM’s ef- sifying competition, and unprecedented Region. South-South co-operation, how- forts resulted in the United Nations hold- global instability, that call is as urgent ever, in this rapidly changing global land- ing its first ever Summit on Non-Com- as ever. The task of designating Change scape, must assume increasing importance municable Diseases in 2011. Managers in each Member State to en- if our priorities are to be the determining sure that decisions made by Regional factors in the shape and direction of the Were our journey to integration to be Heads are implemented in a timely and Region’s development efforts. Limited represented by a trend line, fluctuations effective manner is therefore key. And on economic bases and large debts must not would, without question, be apparent. At this there can be no equivocation because define CARICOM Member States. And the same time, there would be no deny- we must have a re-energized institution, strengthened relations with emerging ing of that line’s definite upward trajec- ready to cope with emerging social and economies that recognise, in us, the po- tory over the past 40 years. This we must economic challenges, through the organs tential for mutually-beneficial relations, continue because the global challenges of of the Community. will be key. the 21st Century await – becoming ever more complex with each passing year. Agriculture, tourism, and manufacturing Caribbean Nations are members of myr- The Community has articulated its vision. have long been seen as the main driv- iad multilateral organisations, where our The CSME has been identified as the way forward. What is required of us now – as we look 40 years into the future - is continued forward movement, looking both within and beyond the hemisphere in Increasing globalisation, intense international order to expand our horizons, even as we embrace, and ensure greater Region-wide competition, and the economic difficulties being experi- understanding of the benefits of integra- enced by many traditional donor-nations demand that the tion Region pursue foreign policies that emphasise insight and . self-reliance, even as we maintain relations with traditional partners.

Denzil L Douglas (Rt Hon Dr) ers of economic growth for our Region. voices and votes matter. Foreign poli- Heightened global tensions and the rise cy coordination within the Community, of terrorism over the past decade, how- therefore, must be seen as an essential ever, have added a new dimension to our leveraging mechanism if we are to [1] priorities, making it impossible for us to advance our interests within these organ- ignore these distant tensions. We now isations, and [2] inform international dis- recognise the inextricable link between course on the issues of global import. regional security and our prospects for continued stability and growth, and the A particular strength of the Community Community’s emphasis on security to is its quasi-cabinet dimension - a power- date has redounded to our benefit in such ful manifestation of the integration ideal areas as trade flows, foreign investment, at work. Indeed, as the Prime Minister and socio-political cohesion. This under- with lead CARICOM responsibility for scores the importance of security remain- human resource development and health, ing the “fourth pillar” of our union. it was extraordinarily gratifying to have CARICOM approve the establishment Increasing globalisation, intense inter- of the Caribbean Public Health Agency national competition, and the economic in 2010, something I had long advocated. difficulties being experienced by many Within one year, the Board and Chairman traditional donor-nations demand that had been named, paving the way for tre- the Region pursue foreign policies that mendous advances in health care delivery emphasise insight and self-reliance, even that will benefit the people of the Carib- as we maintain relations with traditional bean for generations to come. It is worth partners. The Economic Partnership of mentioning here as well – as a tribute to the Americas and the Free Trade Area the value of CARICOM’s quasi-Cabinet of the Americas, for example, have been structure - that as a result of the extraor-

6 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION CARICOM VIEW Moving resolutely forward, together

Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, Secretary-General, CARICOM

Fortieth Anniversary in any financial challenges, the efficacy of inte- sphere of life is cause for cele- gration is more imperative. bration. So it is with immense pride and a sense of accom- From an initial core of 13, the Commu- plishment that the people of nity has grown to 15 Member States and Athe Region should greet the 40th anni- five Associate Members. From an initial versary of our Caribbean Community. concentration on, trade regimes, economic integration, foreign policy coordination, While we are the oldest integration and functional cooperation, our Commu- grouping of developing states, in the con- nity was transformed from the Common text of regional integration, we are still in Market outlined in our Founding Trea- our youth. At 40, we are at the ideal junc- ty of Chaguaramas to a Single Market ture for retrospection and forecasting, for as envisioned in the Declaration of the pondering the vision that has propelled CARICOM Single Market and Econ- us thus far, and for projecting our future omy signed in 2006. In the intervening in an environment that is vastly different period we have expanded our portfolio in from 1973. human and social development and taken on board Security co-operation as anoth- At that time, our leaders, fired up by the er of our pillars. concept of regionalism, were seized of the need to capitalise on the new-found As we reflect on 40 years of Community, freedom and nationalistic fervour that In- there are areas of our integration that we dependence engendered; were sufficiently feel we should have mastered, but we take convinced that cooperation among those pride in the strides that we have made in young states was the most feasible way these four decades. There are noteworthy to survive, and with enlightened reason- achievements in every sphere of Com- ing and foresight created our Caribbean munity life as a result of our integration Community. aspirations: achievements in international fora, in health, education, in energy, in Their language, at the time, which spoke trade, in agriculture, in advancing the free to the daunting alternative of integrating movement of our peoples. or perishing, of the wisdom of collective solutions to our problems, of danger in I recall my shock as a young technocrat discord, of being united under one flag, in1987attending my first meeting, at the Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, one anthem, bears an uncanny similar- barriers to trade in goods that existed Secretary-General, CARICOM ity to our posture today. Forty years af- among Member States of the Commu- ter the Community came into being, our nity. To see how far we have come in re- Heads of Government and the current moving those barriers to intra-regional torchbearers of regional unity have moved trade and expanding our trade in services the integration process forward, deeper - that provide significant opportunity for and wider, convinced that in the face of growth and development - is testimony to globalisation and current economic and vision, commitment and hard work. We

7 CARICOM VIEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION set the course for the removal of those propel us forward and to confront the We must do more to fight crime. barriers. We established the CSME: that global challenges. We are therefore un- is progress. We put in place the regime for dertaking a comprehensive assessment of We must make our Region food secure. We the movement of skills: that is progress. that architecture - our Organs, our Insti- have to address issues of climate change. We have done well in the movement of tutions, our Secretariat - and preparing goods and services. We have had progress a five-year Regional Strategic Plan. That We must continue to consolidate the in the social sector. There are many other assessment will indicate how far we have gains we have made in combating HIV/ areas in the CARICOM architecture for come, what adjustments need to be made, AIDS. We must continue to work on Non us to celebrate. We have established our and whether we are fit for purpose. Communicable Diseases (NCDs) to find Caribbean Court of Justice, a defining a solution to them. moment in our Region’s maturity as our So prioritisation has to be the key. We political independence must be buttressed have to make progress on all fronts. We There must be greater coordination of our by the creation of our own jurisprudence. must place more emphasis on the critical foreign policy so that we can leverage our influence as a bloc of states. I am very optimistic about the future of the Community. It is very easy for us to harp on our shortcomings without rec- We must continue to focus on inspir- ognising and celebrating our accomplishments. But I am convinced that the polit- ing and empowering our citizenry through ical will exists to take our Region forward. We need each other. It is not an easy task education and development of the skills ahead, but at this time of global challenge which the new global society will demand of we realise that we need each other more. We have much to be proud of; we have us. Information Communication Technology much to celebrate. Let us move resolutely towards another 40 years solidly (ICT) is the new frontier for integration and rooted in the foundations of our founding fathers with momentum carried by development. We must therefore embrace our young people ably guided by all of us labouring in the vineyards to forge a ICT to boost our competitiveness and build common destiny for our peoples the requisite skills set of our people. .

Forward together areas for us to work together as a Com- munity. What we have to consider at this juncture is where we want to take our Community. We must continue to focus on inspiring and empowering our citizenry through The current environment in the Com- education and development of the skills munity is characterised by stock-taking which the new global society will de- and change. Stock-taking, for us, is not mand of us. Information Communication a new concept – it is something that any Technology (ICT) is the new frontier for country, any organisation, any entity, must integration and development. We must do from time to time. We did so during therefore embrace ICT to boost our com- the short-lived West Indies Federation, petitiveness and build the requisite skills through the Caribbean Free Trade Asso- set of our people. ciation that preceded CARICOM. CAR- ICOM itself underwent further review We must move towards productive en- which yielded the 1989 Grand Anse Dec- gagement, particularly with respect to the laration that sought to reflect the priori- competitiveness of our economies. It is ties of that time and to make adjustments clear that we can double our intra-region- to the course in which we were heading. al trade if we address the technical barri- The time has come, once again, for us to ers to trade, sanitary and phyto-sanitary ascertain whether the current integration measures and matters related to transpor- architecture is adequate and relevant to tation.

8 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION CARICOM VIEW `All hands must be on deck’

Sir Edwin Carrington

OUR LEADERS PLAYED CRUCIAL, DECISIVE ROLES: Former Secretary-General Edwin Carrington deliberates with the Hon. Owen Arthur former Prime Minister of Barbados and Dr. the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves, Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines

ecretary-General Sir Edwin In reminiscing over his era, Sir Edwin ing on board new institutional structures Carrington’s tenure from August said: “I don’t think there is any one event such as, the Caribbean Court of Justice 1992 to December 2010, the or issue which I could pinpoint as the (CCJ), Caribbean Community Climate longest by any Secretary Gener- ‘greatest achievement’. I consider howev- Change Centre (the five C’s), the Carib- al, spanned the transition from er, that ‘the holding together’ of the CAR- bean Competition Commission (CCC), Sthe Caribbean Community and Com- ICOM arrangement, the enlarging of it to Caribbean Regional Organisation for mon Market to the establishment of the take in new countries Suriname and Haiti Standards and Quality (CROSQ), CAR- CARICOM Single Market and move- (resulting in an increase in the Commu- ICOM Development Fund (CDF), in ment towards the Single Economy - the nity’s population from five and a half to other words, putting flesh on the body. deepening of the Community - as well as sixteen million), the revising of the Trea- its widening to include the non-English ty, thereby deepening and upgrading the speaking Member States of Suriname and whole integration arrangement, to be im- Haiti. portant. It also meant building and bring- (Continued on page 60)

9 CARICOM VIEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION In the beginning `There was a will at Chaguaramas that we shall not fail again.’ Sir Shridath Ramphal

he recall of beginnings is a ton- al products. Political independence may ic when spirits are low; it builds have been a reality, but so too was eco- conviction that we can do bet- nomic dependence. ter; that progress will follow if vision and leadership show the Britain had decided to join the Europe- Tway. Forty years from Chaguaramas 1973 an Economic Community (now the Eu- is a good time for reflection; but the be- ropean Union) and this had caused the ginning was the journey from CARIFTA Caribbean countries – independent and to CARICOM – the process of getting to non-independent – to confront the frailty Chaguaramas. of their individual bargaining capacity as new trade arrangements had to be nego- Almost eight years had passed since a tiated with the EEC. The Caribbean ne- pebble of regionalism had been cast from gotiated as one on the commodities that Antigua’s Dickenson Bay into the Carib- were of critical importance to its member bean Sea by three leaders who sought to countries – rum, sugar and bananas. This rebuild Caribbean integration from the experience underscored the imperative of wreck of the West Indies Federation. The acting together and more closely integrat- flimsy craft of a Caribbean Free Trade ing our economies for survival. Area that Errol Barrow, Forbes Burnham and Vere Bird Snr. had bravely launched But while the compulsion for economic in December 1965 had been enlarged to integration – and even closer union - had a regional vessel by 1968. It was in it that become apparent by 1973, there was still Caribbean leaders sailed into the Bay of a residual resistance to the idea. The five Chaguaramas in 1973 to establish the previous years of CARIFTA had taught Caribbean Community and Common Caribbean leaders – government, private Market - (CARICOM). sector and labour – that unity was not our natural state and that if integration were During the preceding years several of the to be realised it would require constant Member States of CARIFTA had come work; and there was a will to work. to full political independence, others - still States in Association with Britain - were By 1973, the Free Trade Area had been also looking forward to complete politi- established and the Council of Ministers cal autonomy. But for all, the economic had begun to chart its course through realities of nationhood were a barrier to regular meetings, functioning in prag- Sir Shridath Ramphal reflects on the meaningful sovereignty - each remained matic ways, substituting practicality for Caribbean Community reliant to one degree or another on exter- dogma, and acknowledging the inevita- nal assistance; many suffered from sin- bility of compromise and concession. The gle-crop economies inherited from their Regional Secretariat, under the visionary colonial past; and they were all dependent leadership of William Demas, had begun on preferential access to the United King- to establish an identity of its own and to dom market for their primary agricultur- put into high gear the machinery of inte-

10 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION CARICOM VIEW gration. But, it was not without its chal- In our vision of the 1970s most of us saw dences strengthened. Sailing in the Gren- lenges. in the skies of the Caribbean, and beyond, adines, duck-shooting in Guyana, feast- a regional airline staffed by West Indians ing on curried goat in Antigua, and ‘Mrs Among them was a fear by the so-called and flying a regional banner. We saw, too, Ting a Kee’s’ crab-backs in Georgetown, ‘Less Developed Countries’ (LDCs) that in the seas of the Caribbean, and beyond, not to mention carnival and cricket and they could be disadvantaged by deepen- a West Indian shipping service providing carousing on ferry boats on the Demerara ing the integration movement from a free a more effective sea link within the Re- River - all this too was part of the story trade area to a Common Market. It is gion than we had and, through extra-ter- of CARIFTA and its transition to CARI- a measure of the level of understanding ritorial services to our principal trading COM – and I am pleased that I was a part and cooperation that existed among lead- ports outside the Region, freeing us from of most of them. ers that the so-called More Developed arbitrarily manipulated freight rates that Countries (MDCs) were willing to devise could have so crippling an effect on that To recall those times in the beginning, is and make operational mechanisms that economic development towards which surely to resolve to revive their spirit – lest would give the LDCs greater access to of our other efforts were directed. And we face an ending resources – among such mechanisms was through them both we saw the people of . a regional development bank the majority the Caribbean making a reality of their of whose funds would be allocated to the regional home. LDCs as a priority. The Charter of the Regional Develop- Naked truth ment Bank was signed by all the parties by the end of 1969, the target date sug- Either we weld ourselves into a regional gested at the Heads of Government Con- ference in Trinidad earlier that year. A grouping, serving primarily Caribbean needs, or lacking a target met - despite the doubts of those common positive policy, have our various territories and who felt we were pushing rather too hard; that we were running risks with the es- nations drawn hither and tither into, and by, other large tablishment of the Bank in order to meet groupings, where the peculiar problems of the Caribbean an unrealistic deadline. Suffice it that the Bank was established; and that we were are lost or where we become the objects of neo-colonist able to start the 1970’s with this impor- exploitation and achieve the pitiable status of international tant trinity - CARIFTA, the Regional Secretariat and the Regional Develop- mendicants…This is the naked truth. Either we integrate or ment Bank – established and functioning. we perish, unwept, unhonoured. Still, we had barely laid the foundations of Caribbean integration. Much more remained to be done; and it is well that, at the beginning of the 1970s, we had - the Hon. Forbes Burnham, Prime Minister, Guyana, set our perspectives and understood the 14 August 1967, at the Officials Conference to plan for enormity of the undertaking ahead. We recognised that it had to be for the Car- the implementation of economic integration ibbean a decade of decision - a decade that would settle, perhaps this time for all time, whether we move on in ever closer circles of unity, or spin off into separate That work included attention to a Com- Sir Shridath Ramphal, OCC, was born orbits like so many wayward stars lost in mon External Tariff; a location of in- in Guyana. He is often described as the the constellation of the world community. dustries policy; harmonisation of fiscal Caribbean’s leading international ad- What were some of these decisions? incentives, and a regional fishing policy vocate. He studied law at Kings College – to identify the most prominent. It was London, Gray’s Inn, and at Harvard Law We saw the Regional Secretariat emerg- a monumental process, but undertaken School. He was Assistant Attorney-Gen- ing in the 1970’s as a central agency for at all levels from Heads of Government eral and Legal Draughtsman of the West regional action, working closely with the down with an astonishing measure of re- Indies Federation, Chairman of the West Regional Development Bank but having a gional commitment, given all that preced- Indian Commission, Chief Negotiator of wide area of activity that went well beyond ed it in the years before 1965. There was the Regional Negotiating Machinery. Sir economic development in its narrowest a will at Chaguaramas that we shall not Shridath served as Minister of Foreign Af- sense. We saw the Shipping Council and fail again. fairs and Justice in Guyana. He holds the the ‘Regional Carrier’, the Universities distinction of being the longest serving and the Examinations Council, all coor- It took all this and more, including cama- Secretary-General of the Commonwealth, dinated at the regional level within the raderie at all levels among decision-mak- 1975-1990. Sir Shridath was knighted by Secretariat; and we saw the Secretariat, ers - camaraderie that took many forms the Queen in 1970 and received the OCC through this role of co-ordination, help- besides solidarity around the conference in 1992. ing to fashion the programme of integra- table - many forms of togetherness of tion that Governments would promote. which friendships were built and confi-

11 CARICOM VIEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION Integration an imperative, not an option

he timing was propitious. It was the start of the new year that heralded the observance of the 40th anniversary of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The delivery was powerful and flawless: a call to arms to arrest the slothfulness in regional integration and move forward resolutely, strategically and inclusively, given the current international environment. The audience comprised politicians, members of the private sector, civil society, members of the Community, some without portfolios, but all key stakeholders in the integration movement. The speaker could not have been better chosen. An archi- Ttect of CARICOM, a former Prime Minister and one who is considered a well-respected, elder statesman in the Region. Delivering a lecture in Georgetown, on the occasion of the Rotary Club’s commemoration of World Understanding Month in January, Percival J. Patterson, affectionately called P.J., former Prime Minister of Jamaica and current special representative of CARICOM Heads of Government in Haiti, spoke of his “umbilical connection” to CARICOM. That link allowed him to share a vista of the future direction of the Community, the hindsight to point to missteps along the way, and the authority to point out the deficiencies and suggest solutions, such as the demonstration of strong political will and new thinking to propel the Community into the next 40 years. Prior to the delivery of his lecture, Mr. Patterson informally engaged a different audience: staff members of the CARICOM Secre- tariat and underscored their “tremendous responsibility and obligation” in helping to chart the course that would allow the ship to sail forward. In the changed geo-political environment, the Community, he told staff members, had to carve out its own space and assets its own influence. The Secretariat, he said, had to spearhead the creative thinking and inspiration necessary to contribute to the Community’s advancement. Please see below the text of Mr. Patterson’s lecture titled “A CRI DE COEUR FOR CARICOM: LEST WE WITHER ON THE VINE” delivered on January 28, 2013, at the Pegasus Hotel, Georgetown, Guyana on the occasion of the commemoration of Rotary World Understanding Month.

It is always a pleasure for me to be in the good thing is I come to bat with all the musings of a doting grandfather and of- great city of Georgetown. My presence runs already on the scoreboard. fer a viewpoint on the future direction of here tonight is due to the Rotary Club our Region to which I have an umbilical which does not accept no as a final answer Leaving the topic for a speech to your connection: when it calls. It has come persistently Guest can be an unwarranted risk, espe- in many forms – resorting to the shock cially for one who has retired from the “A Cri de Coeur for CARICOM: attack – by reminding me of my long political scene to the confines of the pa- Lest we wither on the Vine”. and deep connections with Guyana. It vilion. switched to the spinner’s guile by listing I readily recall my first visit as a Minister the long list of distinguished Speakers But for me, now a grandfather of 4, I am to Georgetown in April 1973. There was who have preceded me and daring me to entitled to reminisce and have learnt to an air of excitement as Caribbean delega- refuse joining a list of such eminent per- proffer advice which does not always actions gathered to implement the decisions sons as President Bharrat Jagdeo, Prime cord with what my grandchildren are pre- our Leaders had taken in Chaguaramas Minister Owen Arthur, Prime Minister pared to follow. the previous year to establish a Caribbe- Perry Christie and Sir Shridath Ramphal. an Community and to deepen the inte- What a powerful batting line-up. The Nevertheless, let me share with you some gration process by moving from a Free

12 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION CARICOM VIEW

Trade Area into a Common Market. We • The CCJ is now empowered to their identity at each port of entry. It worked with intensity to complete the exercise its Original Jurisdiction simply does not make sense. Georgetown Accord by daybreak. We and fully equipped, for those who so v. the failure of the Community to had to stop the clock shortly before mid- choose, to also serve as the Court of tackle the burning issues of concern night on Thursday 12th, so as to avoid the Final Jurisdiction for our nations and to our people – transportation within reality of signing on Friday the 13th. thereby complete the full circle of our the region, energy, food, climate sovereignty. change. This marked the start of an exciting era when the value of integration was high Notwithstanding these and other In fairness, we can mention with pride and Leaders were prepared to take bold achievements, the voices who question our collective response to the HIV/AIDS decisions and emphasize the advantages the relevance and endurance of CARI- pandemic. of joint and coordinated action. The four COM are becoming increasingly strident Independent Countries then, Barbados, and vociferous. They will not remain silent Let me make it clear – as of now, some Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago but integration is not an option; it is an decisive steps are urgently required to defied the Hemispheric embargo and imperative. rescue CARICOM, or else life support extended full Diplomatic Recognition to may come too late to prevent coma. Our Cuba. Even those of us who remain convinced leaders must take the helm of our regional that regional economic integration is ship and guide it through the choppy wa- After vigorous analysis and soul-search- not simply an option but an imperative, ters of this time. ing debates, those countries not yet Inde- must frankly ask ourselves why is this so? pendent, agreed to abandon Part IV of the What has caused the obvious diminution None of this will be achieved without a negotiations with the European Econom- in the minds of our people as to the rele- renewal of political commitment; imple- ic Community, so that the entire Caribbe- vance and useful purpose of the Caribbe- mentation of long outstanding decisions an could negotiate as a single bloc. an Community? and the design of fresh initiatives that can ignite the imagination and meaningfully It was here in Georgetown that the ACP It is not good enough to realize that these engage the interests of our people. Group was formally launched so that we doubts have appeared elsewhere – e.g. could with the countries of Africa and the recent decision by the British Gov- Pacific form a single phalanx to create an ernment to hold a referendum on future entirely new form of trade and economic relationships with the EU. We must ex- New Global relationships – based on sovereign equal- amine our own circumstances and realize ity and no longer on an imperial relation- that the answers lie within us. Contours ship. The result was Lomé I. There should be no need for me to elab- I trust the members of this audience do orate on the weaknesses which have Admittedly, our Political Leaders today not belong to that group who constantly plagued CARICOM since they have confront global contours which are vastly castigate CARICOM as having achieved been repeatedly mentioned in many ex- different from those we faced 4 decades nothing worthwhile. Had that been the pert studies. In any event, time will not ago. case, it would like several other Region- allow – but let me cite the most serious – al Groupings, have collapsed long ago by The configuration of Europe now encom- virtue of its own inertia. i. the failure to settle a structure for passes 27 nations, many of which make effective governance and the absence major huge financial demands on Com- I cite but a few of its accomplishments: of which leads to a deficit in the im- munity budgetary allocations for their plementation of solemn decisions. own development and who have no his- • There is a fine record in the areas of ii. The delay in re-engineering the torical relationship with the Caribbean or functional cooperation – education, machinery within the Secretariat little interest. health, response to natural disasters, and Regional Institutions to effec- development financing spring readily tively co-ordinate and execute agreed With the advent of the WTO, preferen- to mind. programmes in a rapidly changing tial arrangements for sugar, bananas, rum, • Despite the hiccups which are often environment which raises new issues, rice no longer exist. Reciprocal treatment evident, there has been a dismantling seemingly with every passing day is the order of the day. And if this is so, of the sturdy barriers to trade and iii. Moving at the speed of a tortoise the same way in which the US intro- commerce. in advancing the protocol on the duced regulations with respect to US cit- • The Single Market is now well estab- Contingent Rights of CARICOM izens with funds in the Caribbean, why lished, but admittedly, much more professionals to permit greater free- shouldn’t we reciprocate and demand of can be done to stimulate regional dom of movement. them that they must supply information commerce. iv. What purpose does the CARICOM on people from the Caribbean who have • Both in the fields of international Passport serve if travelling within funding and savings in their financial in- diplomacy and the arenas of global the Region is still like an obsta- stitutions?. We have to use our collective trade and commerce, the CARI- cle race? Foreigners were allowed strength COM voice has been united, loud and to travel with absolute freedom unequivocal, even if it has not always throughout the Region during the Globalization has become the mantra elicited the positive responses we seek Cricket World Cup in 2007 while which results in a spread of contagion from the industrialized nations. our own people have to establish whenever recession occurs in the devel-

13 CARICOM VIEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION oped world and poses a threat of virtu- al extinction in much of the developing world. We are all aware of the issue of graduation. We in the Caribbean still remain particularly vulnerable to regressive trends in the global economy. The search by every Government to tackle its own domestic problems, should not result in the abandonment of sound regional strategies. There are distinct areas where we can all benefit by a collective approach in finding solutions which sustain the regional thrust rather than becoming marooned within each restricted national space. As we watch the emergence of the growing power and potential of the BRICS – Brazil, Russia,, India, China and South Africa – we can identify sound prospects for economic collaboration and the expansion of trade – new sources of capital investment – an increase in the exchange of goods and services – development in new Green Technologies. In doing this, we should identify what we have to offer in exchange – e.g. production for access to external markets, hub for logistics, promoting the range of creative industries, culture, sports.

Charting the integration course: Young integrationists, Alister McIntyre, who Foreign Economic later became Secretary-General of CARICOM and the Percival J Patterson, who subsequently served as Prime Minister of Jamaica confer on Commu- Policy nity matters.

At the Meeting of CARICOM Heads in and prioritize those areas in which we en- ment is more knowledge based and ori- St. Lucia, last July, Prime Minister Kenny joy a comparative advantage. ented to services. Anthony proposed the urgency of CAR- ICOM nations formulating a common Our education system, with the Regional foreign economic policy to take into ac- The Knowledge University and our Tertiary Institutions, count the profound changes on the global must be directed to spearhead this process landscape. This commendable exercise Economy and to engage in cutting edge research. should not be allowed to languish. This has to fuel the spread of creative in- Now more than ever, knowledge is pow- dustries and be a source for the preserva- As we did in our encounter with Europe, er. No one suggests that we disregard tion and renewal of that which we iden- we should now be formulating a common our natural sources or abandon the field tify as the unique Caribbean civilization. strategic approach for the new global of primary commodities. But no one construct before time runs out. We need can question that building a knowledge We should foster the spread of the crea- urgently a new framework for CARI- economy holds the key to our survival tive industries – a wide range of business- COM Economic Cooperation and De- and future prosperity. The building and es that encompass Food, Fashion, Liter- velopment with China – which has man- accumulation of our human capital is the ature, Sports, Entertainment, the Visual ifested its Caribbean thrust by a range of only secure way forward. Arts. Why should we not capitalize on investments in our physical infrastructure, our prowess in dance, in craft, in music, and with Brazil – the powerhouse which It demands a paradigm shift from reli- literature and sports? borders both Guyana and Suriname. The ance on physical resources to engendering advent of globalization, the rapid changes human resources as the catalyst for our Why should a region which has produced in technology, the factors which drive a development. As we plan for the future, the only musical instrument of the last competitive market economy all combine greater emphasis must be placed on Hu- century – the steel pan – the song of the to dictate that we are compelled to select man Capital formation so that develop- Millennium – Bob Marley’s “One Love”

14 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION CARICOM VIEW

– a Cricket Team which conquered the mation archived online, properly identi- to become many times moreso with the world for 17 long years – an Earl Love- fied, catalogued, distributed, promoted, conjuncture of the widening and deepen- lace, a Martin Carter, an Eddie Grant, the discussed with appropriate electronic and ing of the Panama Canal to accommodate world’s fastest human being – Usain Bolt other tools that contributors and users can mega ships of two and three times the - have a balance of payments or unem- use to mine the data to gain insights from largest in operation today and the shift ployment problem? the successful (and perhaps the failed of the centre of world economic activity and developing) strategies, processes and from North America and Western Eu- practices in private sector and govern- rope to Asia and the Pacific. Currently CARIFESTA ment entities, including vital knowledge the Caribbean earns mainly the pollution. and expertise that’s resident in individuals It is time to change this. in the region and the diaspora or embed- The Region’s talents in the cultural field, ded in organizations. i. The Yachting Industry offers con- in the artistic and musical industries were siderable scope for development. on display at the 1972 CARIFESTA in This knowledge management initiative Many islands have invested signif- Georgetown. would enable contributors and users to icantly in Marinas and Registries. leverage past success stories, experiences, An increase of employment would CARIFESTA will be celebrated in Suri- insights and lessons to create strategic require highly specialized skills. name later this year. This opportuni- advantage, and to inform, facilitate and ii. Expansion of Maritime Training. ty should not only be used to re-launch trigger investments and growth handles. CARIFESTA, but to prepare to take The Region should expeditiously agree CARIFESTA to the world at the time Ladies and Gentlemen, activity gener- on a strategy to leverage the reputation of of staging the 2016 Olympics in Brazil. ates momentum. Momentum stimulates Caribbean Maritime Institute (CMI), to It should be seen as an effort of co-opera- enthusiasm. CARICOM needs enthu- expand its operations and create linkages tion between the Caribbean Community siasm and interest, especially among the with other appropriate Training Institu- and Brazil. young people of the region whose expe- tions to establish a strong Regional Mar- riences are rather different from those of itime Training Network. The network The Caribbean will be expected to again past generations and mine. It needs joint could also include the Training Institu- excite on the track. We should aim to activities to build hope and true meaning. tions of the Disciplinary Forces. benefit economically from providing cultural entertainment off the track, while We have created World Beaters and establishing its cultural and artistic prow- Leaders, but they must be able to dream Agriculture and ess in South America, as we move closer big – to see beyond their island borders. to that region for economic cooperation. Food Our people have demonstrated their capacity for excellence in every field. If at A Centre for the level of governance we even appear to Thirty years ago, the CARICOM Region be dysfunctional, the vineyard will wither. was a significant net exporter of food Knowledge Creation and agro-based products. Since then, food importation has grown rapidly and Critical Resources agricultural exports have declined. The In speaking of the Caribbean as a centre major crops – sugar, bananas, rice, citrus, for knowledge creation, we should fash- nutmegs and arrowroot have lost ground ion a knowledge management centre to The Caribbean has some critical border- in advantageous markets and reduced support projects and enterprises, public less resources which are becoming more government support for the production. and private, throughout the Caribbean and more vital in modern day human and Region. business development. Prices have fallen and input costs have risen. Subsidized imports which kept The basic idea is to create a unit/team that The Caribbean Sea; the air and our atmos- prices low are becoming scarce and ex- is charged with developing and executing pheric spaces are vital to transportation, pensive. Here is a golden opportunity to a strategy to manage knowledge as a stra- communication and the movement of in- reignite production not of the traditional tegic asset, with the focus on encouraging formation. Our marine and land-based crops but of new food yields for agro in- across the region, knowledge sharing on biodiversity with a very high percentage dustry, for energy and for animal feed. Let past successes (strategic, projects, joint of endemic fauna and flora including us stop talking about the potential for ag- ventures, process, procedure, practice) naturally occurring medicinal plants; the riculture in Belize, Suriname and Guyana in the private sector and in government energy resources of oil and gas; solar and and take action. with the stated goal of leveraging shared wind; ocean thermal and wave; geother- knowledge to facilitate, attract and trigger mal; rivers and ever recurring biomass. investments and economic growth. CARICOM countries could benefit from The Caribbean Sea having access to a reliable, credible source of information and knowledge on past business (and government) successes and This is currently one of the most heavily on current opportunities with the infor- trafficked seas in the world. It is about

15 CARICOM VIEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

We must push the frontiers of integration to determine priorities among competing The CARICOM further to include a common air space and claims and set firm priorities and a rigid a common ICT space. The issue of trans- time-table on specific areas to accelerate Enterprise: portation and a common air space has be- regional growth and development. deviled us but hard choices must be made Tough choices will have to be made and A Proposal by the if we are to advance in this area which is soon – But as Buju Banton reminds us – so critical to our integration. With respect “It’s not an easy road.” President of to ICT, why is it that a call from Guyana to Jamaica must be long distance? Why is Without the political will and the con- Suriname it that our internet rates are so high? certed action by Regional Stakeholders – Governments, Opposition Parties, the Addressing both these issues would make Business Sector, Labour, NGO’s, the me- President Bouterse of Suriname, as Chair- our Region much more competitive, at- dia – CARICOM is in danger. It needs man of CARICOM a year ago, made a tractive for the conduct of business and concerted action, simultaneously on all highly important recommendation for also contribute to our overall develop- fronts so that it does not dwindle or fall CARICOM at this stage. He proposed ment. into desuetude. essentially that Groups of Members promote jointly owned enterprises (by Public We must create a groundswell of support or Private Sector) to develop critical re- The CARICOM for integration in every Member State sources available in the region. and Associate Member; build alliances Machinery of private citizens who are prepared to This is the concept of the CARICOM champion the cause of integration and ENTERPRISE which was approved create meaningful linkages between and before the CSME and is consistent with The CARICOM Secretariat has been among themselves. it once all willing Member States are in- mandated to prepare and be guided by a cluded. five year Community Strategic Plan. This I renew my plea of 2009 from George- process of change and reform cannot be town to combine all our endeavours “to Areas which come immediately to mind limited to the Secretariat. The Organs of move our Caribbean people on the path are in Agriculture, Mining, Energy, Fish- the Community must also be put under of economic prosperity and social pro- eries, Agro Processing and even Market- the microscope. The role and functions of gress to ensure that we fashion a Car- ing. the Institutions in our integration archi- ibbean civilization embedded in strong tecture must be scrutinized to ensure that regional consciousness and rooted in the It should be vigorously pursued. we are all heading in the same direction promotion of human dignity for those and with the same expedition. who call the Caribbean our only home.” A Revised Treaty There is an urgency for us to get on with Once again, let the voices be heard from it. The Organs and Institutions of the Georgetown – Rally round the West In- Community, especially the CARICOM dies! Ladies and Gentlemen, this year we ob- Secretariat, must take on this challenge as serve the 40th Anniversary of CARI- their top priority. In doing so, however, COM. There is a compelling need for they must be afforded the space required new thinking about the Community into – for strategic thinking, mobilizing, dis- the next 40 years. New ideas must be cussing – to maximize the effect on the generated from widespread discussion ground in fulfillment of the Community about the direction, priorities and the objectives. construct of the integration movement based on the political geographic, eco- The entire Region, from Heads of Gov- nomic and social realities of the Region ernment to ordinary citizen, from institu- and the wider world. tion to Non-Governmental Organization and our Universities must turn its atten- Tonight, I make a clarion call to revis- tion to these urgent imperatives. The it the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. Community of tomorrow must be built This legal underpinning of the current today – deliberately and inclusively. construct has carried us this far. But the time has come for its revision, as we pro- Ladies and Gentlemen, I have mentioned vide the blueprint for a brighter Commu- a few areas, many of which are by no nity future. The Revised Treaty is essen- means novel, that will make a tremendous tially trade based and only identifies best difference to the present perception of endeavours in other areas. There is an CARICOM and, even more importantly, urgent need to place greater emphasis on impact positively on the development of production integration which would al- our people. low us to pool the resources of the Com- munity and exploit them more effectively. Admittedly, in a time of severe resource constraints, CARICOM Heads will have

16 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION CARICOM VIEW The Caribbean Community at 40

`It is increasingly becoming the view of several observers that the perception of the role and function of CARICOM is just as important as what the Community actually achieves’

By Professor Sir Kenneth Hall

s the Caribbean Communi- where activities are occurring and which ty (CARICOM) celebrates make for the closer integration of the the fortieth anniversary of its Region. Caribbean citizens are aware of birth, there is much that the developments in technology, telecommu- Region can look back on with nications, sports, culture, education, food Aa sense of achievement. We can begin sciences and music, for example, which with the simple fact that the Caribbean serve to bring our peoples and govern- Community remains the oldest and one ments closer together but which are not of the most viable integration movements taking place within the traditional frame- in the Region. And although it has en- work of Regional integration. The Com- countered a number of difficulties on the munity, for example, can use the synergies way to realising the dream and vision of of technology and telecommunication the Founding Fathers, it has shown both to drive the integration process. In my maturity and the capacity to stay the judgement, it is matter of institutional in- course over the last forty years. This is novation, political maturity and will. not, however, an attempt to deny the reality of certain difficulties facing the Com- Yet, none of these difficulties threatens munity as an organisation. the overall progress of the Community and a close reading of the history of the Those realties are evident to all Caribbean Community would suggest that it now Governments and their peoples: the pace has the experience, the expertise and the of the implementation of the CSME is capacity to overcome them and realise the too slow; there is a clear need for Regional dream of the original Founding Fathers. and inter-Regional trade; foreign policies I wish to submit that what was regarded could be better coordinated; and the work as the lack of success of the Community and activities of the Community ought to is more often than not a case where the play a greater and more immediate role in Community has not been able to advertise the lives of the Caribbean people, among its success in a compelling and persuasive other things. manner. Or it does not focus enough on those areas where quiet but effective work In addition, there is one particular threat is being done by Regional Institutions. Professor Kenneth Hall to the Community which appears to be The system of institutions created by our insidious and must be nipped in the bud. Founding Fathers which has allowed It must be evident to any student of Car- the Community to anticipate problems, ibbean affairs that there is a growing dis- correct deficiencies, navigate the decolo- connect between the Community as an nization process, deepen our democratic institution and the ‘integration process’ culture and processes and foster a sense of

17 CARICOM VIEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION self-confidence among our peoples have ana 1986 he emphasized that almost on Integration movements, as history has been unheralded and unsung. a daily basis people were integrating the demonstrated, do not progress easily or in Region. And anyone who is familiar with a seamless manner. More often than not, We tend to forget that after the collapse the Caribbean Community would readi- there are stops and starts as the movement of the West Indies Federation it was the ly admit that with the modern means of itself grapples with new problems, tries to functional cooperation experienced by all transportation and communication the create new institutions, accumulate ex- of the Caribbean States which kept the Caribbean People have been in greater pertise and develop technical capacity to Integration Movement alive. Similarly, and closer contact with each other in ways create the instruments to ensure forward while there is a fashionable pessimism that were not possible before. There is an- movement. I believe that CARICOM is nowadays about the survival of the Com- other point to be made here. As someone at such a crossroads. It is in a new political munity, most of us seem to overlook the who has been working in the field of Car- and economic environment which it will areas where the Caribbean Community ibbean Integration for more than a quar- master and build a common Caribbean has been quietly making progress. I re- ter of a century, it is my firm conclusion home and civilization for the Caribbe- fer in particular to the area of education. that the Region is experiencing a level of an peoples. In this sense, the Caribbean The Caribbean Examinations Council integration not imagined, indeed, could Community will reposition itself to play has now become the backbone of the ed- not have been imagined, by the original an important role at the Regional and in- ucation system of the Region. And any- signatories of the Treaty of Chaguaramas. ternational levels as it did in the eighties, one who is familiar with the work of the with the formation of the ACP, the crea- Council must conclude that the Region’s Some years ago, the UWI-CARICOM tion of the New International Economic young people are being educated in a wide array of subjects, which will surely prepare “If we have sometimes failed to comprehend the essence them to play a role in their own countries and by extension the Caribbean Commu- of the regional integration movement, the truth is that nity. I refer also to the Caribbean Meteor- thousands of ordinary Caribbean people do, in fact, live ological Organisation (CMO) which has been doing excellent work in helping the that reality every day. We have Barbadian children of Region adjust to the changes in climate. Jamaican mothers, Barbadian children of Antiguan and The Caribbean Disaster Emergency and Management Agency (CDEMA) is not Saint Lucian fathers. And there is no need to mention without honour in doing good work on Trinidad which has always been tied to us, not only by behalf of the Community. Indeed, a case could be made that at the level of func- the inestimable bonds of consanguinity, but by the bur- tional cooperation, the Community seems geoning cross-fertilisation of cultural artforms.” to be proceeding at a pace which outstrips its growth in other areas. Yet, the work being done in these areas does not seem - (The Hon. Errol Barrow, Prime Minister of Barbados, to make the headlines across the Region and neither is it publicised appropriately. Seventh Heads of Government of CARICOM Meeting, Indeed. it will appear that when it comes Georgetown, Guyana, July 1986) to functional cooperation, there is a clear information deficit. Project asked the Trinidadian Economist Order and the leadership role provided It is increasingly becoming the view of Trevor Farrell to prepare a paper on Car- on such issues as Apartheid in Sports, several observers that the perception of ibbean Integration. His conclusions were to name a few areas where the Caribbe- the role and function of CARICOM is not only fresh and revealing, but more an has been politically and intellectually just as important as what the Community particularly, they caught a new trend in dominant actually achieves. This point needs some Caribbean Integration. In looking at the . elaboration. Almost all of the writings Regional economy, Farrell said that since about the Caribbean Community seems the mid1990s, “we have begun to see The Most Honourable Professor Sir Kenneth, limited to the lack of progress with re- much more evidence of economic inte- former Governor-General of Jamaica, is a gards to the CARICOM Single Market gration emerging than in the previous 20 well-known and respected Caribbean aca- and Economy (CSME) and such matters years.” He went on to state that “Over the demic who utilised the skills of his profession as intra-Regional trade. And depending course of the last 10 years, there has been to analyse the main factors leading to the on the perspective of the writer con- a mushrooming of cross-border direct in- success of the Caribbean Integration process. cerned, conclusions are reached which are vestments in the Region… a wide range Professor Sir Kenneth joined his academic gloomy even though the focus is on one of activities are involved from banking work to a passion for education and has held area of the work of the Caribbean Com- to carnivals, from tourism to fast food.” positions of Chairman of the Caribbean Ex- munity. There have also been large investments amination Council (CXC), Pro Vice Chan- in financial services. My own suspicion cellor and Principal, UWI, Chancellor, Uni- More than 31 years ago, the then Prime is that this kind of integration has been versity College of the Caribbean and Deputy Minister of Barbados, Mr. Errol Barrow intensified as Caribbean businesses have Secretary-General, Caribbean Community. pointed out that the Community was in become more savvy and understanding of He is currently a Distinguished Research fact more than just a question of trade. In the Regional and international economy. Fellow of the University of the West Indies. a now celebrated speech given in Guy-

18 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION CARICOM VIEW

Human Development, Functional Cooperation and the Science of Delivery

By Dr. Edward Greene

19 CARICOM VIEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

ith very few exceptions, leadership requires relentless focus on the period 2007-2012, the GDP growth the importance of Car- implementation. In this respect, delivery in the Caribbean fell by an average of ibbean regional integra- means more than passing laws or the issu- 1.7per cent, ‘tracking global uncertain- tion (CARICOM) has ing declarations or announcing mandates. ties’. Nevertheless, CARICOM countries been fully grasped by the Sir Michael Barber is of the view that “the were, for the most part, able to achieve Wpeople, policy-makers, academics, civil science is ready to emerge …it means chang- relatively its High HDI rankings by sus- society, media and advocates. The prob- ing the facts on the ground and ensuring that taining investments in health and educa- lems with CARICOM have been ex- the public can see and feel the difference.”1 tion and by the application of functional pressed in terms of frustrations with the cooperation in these areas. slow pace of implementation of policies Human development is a combination and programmes, tardiness in tackling its health, education and standard of living Several concrete examples identify the governance arrangements and concerns measures. The human development index, extent to which shared responsibility for about its competitiveness in the changing which is increasingly being used to com- services at the regional level (regional international environment. The yardstick pare the performance of states, is based on public goods) could have a positive im- for measuring progress is usually based a country’s average achievement on three pact at the national level, especially when on the Region’s performance in arenas of basic aspects of human development: lon- local leadership provides the added impe- trade and economic development. While gevity, knowledge and a decent standard tus of accelerating improvements in de- this is understandable, given the emphasis of living. Functional Cooperation is livery at scale. that is placed on the flagship CARICOM defined as a cross-cutting element and a Single Market and Economy (CSME), driver of regional integration for devel- First, the Caribbean Examination Coun- there are three other pillars –foreign and opment. It is a mode of cooperation that cil, in existence since 1973, has estab- community relations, human and social may encompass or incorporate certain ac- lished a common Caribbean-oriented development, and security -- on which tivities carried out specifically to support curriculum with standardised assessments the foundations of Caribbean Commu- economic, social, foreign policy and secu- for secondary schools across the Region, nity rest. Even within the CSME, the rity objectives of the community. 2 including in some non-Caribbean coun- successes in initiating the Single Market tries like St. Marten. It is internationally (2004), Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) Human development and functional co- recognised. Around this activity, a value in its original jurisdiction (2005) and the operation are connected to the science of chain of researchers, publications, mod- completion of EPA with the EC (2009) delivery through their fundamental con- ules, evaluations and specialised tutors seem not to count. cerns with such measurable attributes as have emerged. CXC has contributed to ending poverty and promoting shared the increase in qualifications for and en- Yet, the challenge for the regional move- prosperity underlying the millennium de- rolment in tertiary level education over ment is not a lack of new ideas, innovative velopment goals to which all Caribbean the past 20 years which has increased concepts or political will. Rather it is the countries are committed. from 5 per cent to 20 per cent. difficulty in implementing and building on simple, pragmatic, scalable solutions Second, a complementary feature of the in a sustainable way. This article suggests CXC is the Caribbean Vocational Qual- that while the CSME project is being Measuring Human ifications, (CVQ) which has standardised refined, emphasis should be placed on the certification of skilled tradespersons human development and functional co- Development such as plumbers, masons, carpenters operation which combine to offer a useful and steel-pan players, permitting them, framework for a science of delivery at this In the latest HDI rankings (2013), Bar- in principle, to free movement as skilled time when the Community chooses to bados is 3rd in the very high category in personnel within the CARICOM Single celebrate and reflect. the Americas after USA and Canada Market. and 38th globally. The Bahamas, Antigua, Trinidad and Tobago, St Kitts and Nevis, Third, the Caribbean Cooperation in St Vincent and the Grenadines, Jamaica Health (CCH) initiated in 1984 and now A Science of and Saint Lucia are in the high category. in its third version (2009-2015) illustrates Guyana, Belize and Suriname are in the what can be achieved by setting common Delivery framework medium category and Haiti, in the low goals and sharing services. It was through category. There are several levels of anal- joint action between CARICOM and Dr. Jim Kim in his inaugural Presidential ysis that may be carried out to explain the PAHO that the Caribbean was the first address to the Board of the World Bank cause and effect of these HDI rankings. developing Region in the world to have (2012) introduced the notion of a science However, the World Bank’s World De- eliminated polio and small pox in the of delivery as a major challenge for devel- velopment Indicators (2003) and before late 1980s. CCH, one of the two pillars opment institutions and for leaders across that the IDB’s Review of the Develop- in the Nassau Declaration, 2001 The the world. He argues that creating sound ments in Latin America and the Carib- health of the Region is the wealth of the policies is only the beginning. Successful bean (2009) provided some clues. Over Region, now provides the philosophical

1 Sir Michael Barber The Origins and practice of Delivery Voices of Society The art and science of Delivery, Mc kinney and Com- pany, 2013 , p 18 2 Report of Task Force on Functional Cooperation, CARICOM Secretariat 2007

20 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION CARICOM VIEW underpinnings on which the Caribbean wide wellness revolution. Chaguaramas, reiterated the importance Public Health Agency (CARPHA), its of functional cooperation as one of the last actionable recommendation, is built. These examples demonstrate that systems main pillars of the integration movement CARPHA, which began operations at its management to sustain human develop- headquarters in Trinidad and Tobago, in ment is complex whether in education, It was in July 2007, that CARICOM January 2013, is the consolidation of five health and other areas, especially in the Heads of Government, at their Twen- Regional Health institutions into one economic value chain. At the same time, ty-Eighth Conference held in Barbados, Agency and is poised to be the “CDC Governments have to deal with diverse appointed a Task Force and approved the of the Caribbean” through its competen- stakeholders. Other sectors, working Needham’s Point Declaration on Functional cies in prevention of communicable and within their own corners of the system Cooperation. They expressed the determi- non-communicable diseases, promotion may have little interest in the “whole” but nation: ‘to make functional cooperation one of a healthy environment, through sur- may be subject to government interven- of the principal means by which the benefits veillance and research, laboratory and tions. All this makes delivery or imple- of the integration movement are distributed drug regulations and response to health mentation hard to achieve. And this is not through the length and breadth of the Com- emergencies. necessarily because of a lack of leadership munity, including the Associate Members capacity or political will. Yet, out of this and among all its people, thereby engender- Fourth, the Pan Caribbean Partnership complexity emerges adaptation, informa- ing a ‘Community for All’.” against HIV/AIDS (PANCAP) brings tion-sharing and collaborative action as a together representatives of governments, way of overcoming the most challenging Despite the recognition of its importance, the private sector, NGOs and develop- environment. there was a tendency in the past to see ment partners with people living with functional cooperation as limited main- AIDS under one strategic framework ly to the broad area of human and social for resource mobilization, one govern- development, partly because activities in ance arrangement for management and Making functional this area tended to be carried out largely accountability and one monitoring and under this modality. The reality, however, evaluation metric. Designated by the UN cooperation and a is that functional cooperation, which is as an international best practice, PAN- intended to be practical and useful and CAP, with support of a variety of partners community for all also supportive of the overall objectives of has contributed in no small measure to the integration movement, is a cross–cut- the increased access to treatment by over ting issue which is applicable to all areas 50 per cent, increased prevention of the Nowhere is this more evident than the of activities carried out within the Com- disease resulting in less persons being in- convergence of functional cooperation munity. fected and reduction of deaths by 80 per and human development. It is after all the cent over the last decade. More recently, areas of education and health which had It is important therefore to emphasise the Global Fund for AIDS, TB and Ma- driven the integration process long before this point in all future definitions of the laria (GFATM) has reduced the level of trade and economic development took concept. During the Twenty-Seventh funding for middle and upper income root. The Treaty of Chaguaramas which Meeting of the Conference of Heads of countries, in which category most CAR- created the Caribbean Community and Government of CARICOM held in St. ICOM countries is classified. This means Common Market in 1973 identified func- Vincent and the Grenadines in July 2006, that governments are challenged to devise tional cooperation as one of three pillars. Heads of Government agreed that there new investment strategies for financing The others were the establishment of a was an urgency in addressing functional AIDS so as not to cause a reversal in the common market regime and coordination cooperation that paralleled developments gains over the past decade. of the foreign policy of Member States. related to trade and economic cooper- In the case of functional cooperation, it ation, and stated in this regard that in- Fourth, the recommendations of the sem- was defined as “the efficient operation of cer- creased attention should be paid to those inal report of the Caribbean Commission tain common services and activities for the issues that would enhance the welfare of on Health and Development chaired by benefit of Caribbean people; the promotion citizens, including the reduction of pov- Sir George Alleyne, the Port of Spain of greater understanding among its people erty, social protection and human resource Declaration (2007) Uniting to fight the and the advancement of their social, cultur- development, among others. non-communicable diseases triggered the al and technological development.” Article UN General Assembly Special Sessions 8 provides a comprehensive list of these (September 2011), and sparked a world- activities. 5 In 2001, The Revised Treaty of

3 Caribbean Epidemiological Centre (CAREC), Caribbean Environmental Health Institute (CEHI), Caribbean Health Research Centre (CHRC) Caribbean Food and Nutrition Institute (CFNI)and the Caribbean Regional Drug Testing Laboratory (CRDTL) 4 Among the main development partners that contributed to PANCAP’s CRSF are The EU, USAID, DFID, CIDA, PEPFAR, GTZ, CDC, UNAIDS, UNFPA, and GFTAM 5 air transportation, meteorological science and hurricane insurance, health, intra-regional technical assistance, intra-regional public service management, education and training, broadcasting and information culture, harmonization of the law and legal systems of Member States, the position of women in Caribbean society, travel within the Region, labour administration and industrial relations, technological and scientific research, social security, other common services and areas as may from time to time be determined by the Conference”

21 CARICOM VIEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

tablishment of Council on Civil Society. • Caribbean Regional Organization on Regional Institutions This would assist in bringing some order Standards and Quality (CROSQ ) to their engagement in the Community, • Caribbean Regional Fisheries Mech- as Delivery while at the same time allowing for the anism (CFRAM) flexibility of these arrangements, tap- • Caribbean Tourism Organization Models driving ping their expertise and engaging them (CTO) in functional cooperation on a mutually • Caribbean Community Climate Social Change beneficial basis. Change Centre (CCCCC) • Caribbean Health and Food Safety Regional institutions listed below have If regional institutions could develop Agency played, and continue to play, an impor- a method of analysing the benefits of tant role in cooperation in their respec- functional cooperation in the various do- By Inter Governmental Agreement tive fields of competence. Their technical mains and also issue Annual Reports to (2011): expertise in the form of research, surveil- the Heads of Government and through lance, quality control, response to emer- them to the public, CARICOM, through • Caribbean Public Health Agency gencies is vital to the Region’s viability. its human development programmes and The current review of regional institutions delivery of functional cooperation, would may wish to give consideration to the fact truly have achieved a science of delivery in that together they contribute to the im- a Community for All. Spreading the plementation of a series of programmes that contribute to the sustainable devel- Article 21 of the Revised Treaty of Science of Delivery opment of CARICOM. In a very incisive Chaguaramas provides for the following report on the composition, organisational to be recognised as Institutions of the to other aspects of structure, classifications and legal basis for Community: these institutions, Professor Ralph Carn- the Community’s egie recommended that in order to sup- • Caribbean Disaster Emergency Re- port an effective programme of functional sponse Agency (CDERA); work cooperation, the CARICOM Secretariat • Caribbean Meteorological Organisa- should cooperate with all relevant insti- tion (CMO); tutions and should seek to facilitate coop- • Caribbean Environmental Health In order for functional cooperation to eration among them. More importantly, Institute (CEHI; permeate all aspects of the work of the the Secretariat should be assigned the re- • Caribbean Agricultural Research and Community and to be experienced by sponsibility to monitor and evaluate func- Development Institute (CARDI); all its citizens, it will be necessary to im- tional cooperation activities carried out in • Caribbean Regional Centre for the plement specific projects that have de- the Region with a view to ensuring the Education and Training of Animal finable goals and measurable objectives. optimal implementation of such activi- Health and Chief among these are those that deal ties6. By implication, such a role requires • Regional Veterinary Public Health specifically with advancing the priorities a dedicated coordinating unit within the Assistants (REPAHA); identified in the strategies for youth de- Secretariat to transform the functional • Assembly of Caribbean Community velopment arising out of the Caribbean cooperation activities into a science of Parliamentarians (ACCP); Commission for Youth Development7, delivery. and such other entities as designated programmes on gender equity, particular- by the Conference ly geared to eliminating violence against The regional institutions are already a women and girls, and those promoting source of delivery whose operations can be Article 22 provides for the following enti- and implementing the recommendations further refined and reformed. To achieve ties to l be recognized as Associate Insti- for accelerating cultural industries, and this status, the structure and role of re- tutions of the Community: advancing the critical dimensions of ICT gional institutions within the Communi- for development to keep the Region in ty should be clearly identified. In order to • Caribbean Development Bank line with global developments. In so do- effectively deliver functional cooperation, (CDB); ing, it is important to establish priorities their activities should be standardised • University of Guyana (UG); for the implementation of the various around four main approaches – sharing • University of the West Indies (UWI),’ projects, bearing in mind existing resource policies and programmes, dissemination • Caribbean Law Institute Caribbean constraints. of information, development of human Law Institute Centre (CLIICLIC),’ resources, and monitoring and evaluation. • The Secretariat of the Organization of A good information and communication The opportunities to incorporate pub- Eastern Caribbean States; (I&C) strategy is required to continuous- lic–private sector partnerships into the and such other entities as may be des- ly engage stakeholders in a dissemination design of functional cooperation activi- ignated by the Conference. and feedback flow ensuring that they feel ties are limitless. So too are the provisions included. The Caribbean Diaspora, civil for streamlining informal and formal at- Other Regional Institutions not named in society, the private sector, the youth and tachment of NGOs to the organs of the the treaty but functioning as such: the media are vital to this loop which must Community through, for example, the es- actively include the social media. The es-

6 Ralph Carnegie, CARICOM Regional Institutional Report, UWI, 2006

22 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION CARICOM VIEW

sential ingredients of the I&C strategy for going to do about it? How can you help science that will change millions of lives.” CARICOM are: What are we trying to to change failure into success? As Dr. Kim In this way we are ‘all engaged and con- do? How are we trying to do it? How at so aptly puts it, “delivery becomes a sci- sumed’ in this lofty CARICOM venture. any moment will we know if we are on ence when we learn the lessons of what track? If we are not on track what are we works and what does not and unleash the As the Caribbean Community celebrates its 40th year and contemplates the next 10 years, it has to position this Region to Find new ways to communicate be part of shaping the global post-2015 development agenda. It is clear that the new goals will revolve around pathways The promise of the regional integration move- to shared prosperity and poverty reduc- ment even in the area of trade, cannot be realized unless we tion, growth with equity, and sustainability through management of the envi- find new ways of communicating to the mass of our people the ronment for future generations, fostering meaning and purpose of all our regional institutions. And that’s an inclusive society and assuming fiscal sustainability. Within this global context, one reason (if no other could be found) why the University must CARICOM will no doubt need to perfect move from the confines of the campus more and more into its CSME mission to achieve sustainable economic growth. It could, however, win the heart of the communities which constitute our Region. This the peoples’ trust and support for the re- battle of communication in defence of the unity of the Region gional project by demonstrating movement toward a science of delivery. Placing must be won if our efforts during this week and hitherto are to greater emphasis on human development survive beyond the confines of conferences. and functional cooperation offers this opportunity. -The Rt. Hon. Errol Barrow, Prime Minister of Barbados

7 Report of the Caribbean Commission on Youth Development , The Eye of the Community , 2010

23 CARICOM VIEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

CXC at 40 Celebrating the Accomplishments: Continuing the Journey by Cleveland Sam

“This new institution forges another link in the chain of Commonwealth Carib- bean integration, a chain whose links have been increasing in number and in strength over the past ten years. It is, therefore, fitting that so early in the year 1973, which augurs well to be a year of challenge to the Caribbean Common- wealth and to its institutions that the Caribbean Examinations Council should begin to function.” - The Right Honourable Errol Barrow, Prime Minister of Barbados.

he quotation from the speech examination work done by Caribbean pupils learning support materials. delivered by the Right Honour- and recommend pass or fail. The institution able Errol Barrow, at the inau- of this Council therefore gives the Caribbe- From offering five subjects at the Car- gural meeting of the Caribbean an teacher an opportunity to come of age – ibbean Secondary Education Certifi- Examinations Council in 1973 to take over fully the education of the young cate (CSEC) at its first sitting in 1979, Tis very instructive or perhaps even pro- people of the Caribbean in the same way that CXC now offers 35 subjects at CSEC; phetic reflecting 40 years later. the Caribbean Community is taking its eco- 46 Units at the Caribbean Advanced nomic destinies into its own hands.” Proficiency Examination (CAPE); more Indeed, not only has CXC emerged as than 100 standards in the Caribbean a vital link in the Regional integration Forty years later, the framers of the CXC Vocational Qualification; the Caribbean movement; but it has also built a reputa- project must be proud of the achieve- Certificate of Secondary Level Compe- tion as one of the most critical pillars in ments it has accomplished in a relatively tence (CCSLC); and the latest addition, the Region’s education architecture. short time and the impact it has had on the Caribbean Primary Exit Assessment the Caribbean education landscape. This (CPEA). The advent of CXC, an indigenous exam- impact has gone much further than that inations board, complemented what was originally intended by the framers: that is, During a given year, CXC trains hun- taking place in the political sphere at the to prepare syllabuses and set examinations dreds of teachers across the 16 Partic- time around the world. Former colonies based on those syllabuses and issue certif- ipating Countries in a variety of areas. were asserting their political self-determi- icates and diplomas. The Council conducts teacher orientation nation; it was time for the Caribbean to workshops, School-Based Assessment assert its educational sovereignty. Today, CXC offers a comprehensive suite training, Item-Writing workshops and of qualifications which caters to learners learning support resources development The words of Prime Minister Barrow are of differing ages, interests and abilities; training. again enlightening: “Our teachers will set training of teachers; technical services to examination papers for the testing of Car- Ministries of Education; statistical data Additionally, the annual script-marking ibbean pupils in what they themselves have processing services; Item Writing train- exercise is a huge training ground for taught. Our teachers will mark and assess the ing, Psychometric training; provision of thousands of the Region’s teachers.

24 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION CARICOM VIEW

DEEP CONCENTRATION: Students sit a CXC examination.

“When we meet as markers and we discuss, centration of Caribbean people at any giv- you realise the kinds of problems you get from Integration magic! en time in the year. During three weeks in your students, it is not peculiar to your ter- July, CXC mobilises almost 6,000 teach- ritory, but is common throughout the Car- One of CXC’s most important contribu- ers from 17 countries. More than 2,500 ibbean,” said Penelope Williams-Peters, tions to the Caribbean is its role in bring- of these teachers are moved from the 17 a Guyanese teacher who teaches in the ing the Region closer together in many countries to Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica Turks and Caicos Islands and marks in more ways than one. From its inception, and Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad and Tobago. “You get a greater CXC has been a very inclusive organisa- understanding as to how to deal with these tion and much of its work is carried out CXC recruits, transports, houses, feeds problems, because you gain as you have one by a multi-layered network of Caribbean and pays these teachers. way, one method, but when you interact with resources, not just by the small staff at the The marking exercise is much more than one other, you tend to have more to put to- Barbados and Jamaica offices. marking examination scripts. It is a social, gether and out of it cometh good.” cultural and education mélange. And this The work of developing a syllabus for is where the integration magic occurs! The training aspect of the marking exer- each subject CXC offers is carried out by cise is also appreciated by Michelle Saun- a Subject Panel; the work of putting to- Imagine spending two weeks around the ders-Clavery, a Vincentian who lives and gether an examination paper for each is same table with eight people who teach teaches in Trinidad and Tobago. carried out by an Examining Committee. the same subject in eight different schools The members comprising these commit- in eight different countries. Then, think “I have gained quite a lot from it,” the Eng- tees come from different countries across about eating lunch around a table with 10 lish teacher said. “The marking and the the Caribbean and together produce work people from five countries who teach at standardising, it teaches you a lot about what for the entire Region. eight different schools and mark five dif- you look for when you come to mark students’ ferent subjects. work. When you come here, you get a better But perhaps the single most significant idea about what to look for, what the exami- contributor to regional integration in Add to this mix the social activities, tours nation is looking for and I think every teach- CXC’s cap is the annual marking exercise. and shopping trips that markers take part er should get this experience.” This is the largest mobilisation and con- in and the Regional integration puzzle is complete.

25 CARICOM VIEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

also exposes people to the different cultures.” Very often, CXC is compared with The University of the West Indies and West Indies Cricket as three forces of regional integration. However, the impact and reach of CXC is unmatched by any other regional institution. One person who is clear about this is Dr. the Honourable Tim Gopeesingh, current Minister of Education in Trinidad and Tobago. Speaking at the 2011 Open- ing Ceremony of Council and Presenta- tion to Regional Top Awards at the Hyatt in Port-of-Spain, Minister Gopeesingh said that CXC creates the strongest bond among Caribbean people. “…Our Region and national societies have perhaps never viewed the Caribbean Exam- inations Council (CXC) as one very crucial, significant element of Regional unity, and I say tonight that the time has come for us to change this,” the Minister stated. “Far beyond ensuring that our Region’s top students know they are recognised and appreciated – you have subconsciously played a very major role in enhancing Caribbean unity...” The Trinidadian Education Minister posited that the common CXC examinations that Caribbean students write annually: CSEC and CAPE, are perhaps strongest existing Regional bond. Integration Magic: CXC markers at Grantley Adams International Airport, Barbados Sir Kenneth Hall, OJ, ON, former Chair of CXC and a former Governor-General of Jamaica, reflected on CXC’s role in Re- Lifelong friendships are formed, profes- ities and differences. At the first [marking] gional integration. sional and social relationships are built tables there were examiners from Trinidad and even a few marriages result. and Tobago, Barbados, Jamaica, Dominica, “There are few institutions in the Caribbean Grenada, Bahamas, Guyana and Belize… today that have had such a significant impact Dr. Merle Baker, a Trinidadian educator an original CARICOM setting,” she em- on the lives, the values, of the Caribbean peo- who marked CSEC from its inception phasised, “which made intimate connections ple,” Sir Kenneth explained. “Every second- in 1979, reflecting on her marking ex- as friends and comrades, as the Guyanese ary school in the Caribbean is affected by and periences at an event in Jamaica in 2009 then called themselves. We were united for influenced by CXC.” spoke in glowing terms of the fun times. two concentrated weeks on a consuming More than every school, CXC has im- pressurized task and whilst thus engaged we pacted every family in the Caribbean at “We can now speak with authority about the were able to discuss politics, family, social and one point in the last 40 years. To be more beauty and natural wonders of those Carib- cultural issues, educational needs and sports.” precise, “From the inception of the first bean destinations [marking centres]; the ma- examinations in 1979 to today, 6.2 mil- jestic elegance of the Kaieteur, Orinduik and lion Caribbean persons from 19 territo- Dunn’s River waterfalls, and the serenity of Strongest bond ries have written CXC exams,” stated Dr Harrison’s Cave, at CXC’s expense.” Didacus Jules, Registrar of CXC in a re- Mrs. Marguerite Bowie, former Perma- cent article. Dr. Baker, who was speaking on behalf nent Secretary in the Ministry of Educa- of honourees for the 30th Anniversary of tion, Jamaica, noted in an interview for a As CXC implements its vision to assure CSEC, reminisced on the cultural pot- CXC documentary, “I consider CXC one of the human resource competitiveness of pourri that is marking. the most enduring forces of integration in the the Caribbean, the accomplishments of Caribbean, because it brings together teach- CXC over the last 40 years have given “…We did not only learn about our countries, ers from across the Caribbean to share” The CXC and the Region the ability to look but we learned about each other, our similar- former Deputy Chair of CXC added, “It to the future with confidence.

26 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION CARICOM VIEW 2011 CXC Exam Statistics

CAPE 99 Exams CSEC 154 Written CCSLC Papers

227,755 Candidate 821,616 920,160 Scripts Entries Subject Entries

17 Territories 5,948 Script provided Markers markers

27 CARICOM VIEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Climate Change The Caribbean Experience By Kenrick R. Leslie, Phd, CBE, Executive Director Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre

he Caribbean experience in all activities trained in digital monitoring systems meeting the Climate Change iii. Development and implementation of challenge has been guided by Pilot Adaptation Projects The capacity-building programme con- the principles set out below: tinued through 2003 under a second Following the articulation of the Rio project that was funded by the Canadi- T1. Agenda 21 of the Declaration from Declaration, the BPOA and the recom- an International Development Agency the Earth Summit held in Rio de Ja- mendation of the UNFCCC Intergov- (CIDA). Under that project the concept neiro in 1992; ernmental Committee (IC) the govern- to establish the Caribbean Community 2. The 1994 Barbados Programme of Ac- ments of the Caribbean Community have Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) be- tion (BPOA), and been actively pursuing ways of addressing came a reality. The Heads of Government 3. The recommendation by the Inter- the emerging threats of Climate Change in July, 2002, endorsed its establishment governmental Negotiating Commit- and Climate Variability. and mandated that it coordinated the re- tee of the United Nations Frame- gional response to Climate change and its work Convention on Climate Change The Region is one of the first to have im- efforts to manage and adapt to its pro- (UNFCCC) for addressing Climate plemented all three of the IC recommen- jected impacts. Operations at the Centre change Adaptation. dations in an attempt to address Climate commenced in January 2004. Change Adaptation. The capacity-build- The United Nations Framework Con- ing program first started in 1997 under Another key outcome from the ACCC vention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) the Caribbean Planning for Adaptation project was the establishment of the is one of the outcomes of the Rio Dec- to Climate Change (CPACC) project MSc programme dealing with Climate laration. Along with other countries the which was sponsored by the GEF, contin- Change-related issues in the Centre for Caribbean Community Members ratified ued through 2001. Resource Management and Environmen- the international treaty of the United Na- tal Studies (CERMES) at the Universi- tions Framework Convention on Climate The aim of the CPACC project was to ty of the West Indies Cave Hill campus. Change, to cooperatively consider what support the countries in preparing to Since then over eighty (80) students have could be done to limit average global cope with the adverse effects of Global graduated under the program. temperature increases and the resulting Climate Change, particularly Sea Level Climate Change, as well as to cope with Rise (SLR) on coastal and marine areas The Centre continued its regional capac- its anticipated. through vulnerability assessment and ad- ity-building programme under two other aptation planning as well as related capac- concurrently running projects (2004- An outcome of the Barbados Conference ity-building initiatives. Accomplishments 2011): was the adoption of the Barbados Dec- under the project included laration, a statement of political will un- 1. the Mainstreaming Adaptation to derpinning the commitments contained • Establishment of a network of sea-lev- Climate change (MACC) and, in the BPOA. The BPOA established el and climate monitoring stations 2. the Special Pilot Adaptation to Cli- the Global principles on the Sustainable • Coastal Resources Inventory System mate Change (SPACC) Development of Small Island Developing (CRIS) States (SIDS) such as Caribbean coun- • Initial vulnerability assessment using tries. the UNEP Handbook Methodology • Institutional capacity-building - Na- The Intergovernmental Negotiating tional Implementation Coordinat- Committee recommendations for ad- ing Unit (NICU) - National Climate dressing Climate Change Adaptation in- Change Committee (NCCC) cluded three steps: • Draft National Climate Change Ad- aptation Policies and Implementation i. Building capacity to address Climate Strategies Change • Human capacity-building - Cadre ii. Mainstreaming Climate Change in of GIS professionals - Technicians (Continued on page 33)

28 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION CARICOM VIEW

THE COMMUNITY THROUGH THE YEARS

29 Women building the Community: From left, Ms. Indra Chandarpal of Guyana, Ms. Portia Simpson-Miller, current Prime Minister of Jamaica, in conversation.

Former CARICOM Secretaries: From left, Mr. William Demas, Sir Alister McIntyre, Sir Edwin Carrington - who all served as Secretar- ies-General of CARICOM - at the opening of a CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting in Georgetown, Guyana.

Prime Minister Forbes Burnham of Guyana and his delegation arrive in Nassau, the Bahamas for the fifth Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM.

Labouring in the vineyard: From left, Current Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Dr. the Hon. Kenny Anthony, former Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Hon. P.J. Patterson, current Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, the Hon. Ralph Gonsalves.

Labouring in the vineyard: Former Prime Ministers Eu- His Excellency Desmond Hoyte, then President of Guyana, chats genia Charles of Dominica and Lester Bird of Antigua with then Secretary-General Edwin Carrington. and Barbuda 1,2: Spreading the word about integration: Representatives of the Media, key stakeholders in the integration process, await 2 the conclusion of CARICOM Meetings 1

Former Prime Minister of Barbados, the Hon. Owen Ar- Driving the integration movement: Former Prime Ministers of Saint thur, and then Minister of Finance, Jamaica, the Hon. Lucia and St. Vincent and the Grenadines respectively, the late John Omar Davies in discussion. Compton and Sir James Mitchell The Hon. Eugenia Charles, the Prime Min- ister of Dominica briefs a representative of the media following her delegation’s attend- ance at a CARICOM Meeting

Official photo- graphs of CARICOM Dame Nita Barrow in conversation with Heads of Govern- Dr. the Rt. Hon. Kennedy Simmonds, then ment following a Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis Meeting Their Excellences Ronald Venetiaan and Bharrat Jagdeo in discus- Foreign Policy matters? Then Foreign Affairs Minister of Guyana, Mr. sion during a CARICOM Heads of Government meeting. Rudy Insanally with then Secretary-General Edwin Carrington

The Hon. Ralph O’Neale (centre), Premier, British Virgin Islands, in discussion with the Hon. Nicholas Braithwaite, then Prime Minister of Grenada (left), and a member of the Grenada delegation at a Secretary-General Ambasasdor Irwin LaRocque with Heads of Gov- CARICOM forum. ernment the Hon. Kamla Persad-Bissessar and His Excellency Michel Martelly of Haiti, and United States Vice President Joseph Biden in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago in May 2013. (Cordial talks)

Heads of Government at fourth CHOGM meeting

Sir Edwin Carrington, who holds the distinction of being the longest Flags of the Community serving CARICOM Secretary-General, 1992-2010. 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION CARICOM VIEW

Natural disasters have taken their toll on Caribbean states

(Continued from page 28)

The MACC project sought to mainstream oped. The IP was approved by the Heads AGENDA and work programmes of global Climate Change issues into “every- in March 2012. Since their approval public and private institutions in all day” policy and sectorial planning in the the Framework and its IP have received Caribbean Community countries at all Region. The SPACC project on the other global recognition and are being widely levels. hand, supported efforts of three countries used by the donor community to guide • Promote systems and actions to RE- (Dominica, Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent their regional support to the CARICOM DUCE THE VULNERABILITY and the Grenadines) to implement specific Member countries in their efforts to ad- of Caribbean Community countries to pilot adaptation measures addressing the dress climate risks. Global Climate Change wherever pos- impacts of Climate Change on water, bi- sible. odiversity, and land degradation. • Promote measures to DERIVE BENE- The Regional FIT FROM THE PRUDENT MAN- Since the operationalisation of the Cen- AGEMENT of forests, wetlands, and tre and the ongoing training programme Framework: the natural environment, in general, and at CERMES, the capacity of the Region to protect that natural environment. to address the Climate Change-related 1. Establishes and guides the Caribbean’s • Promote actions and arrangements to issues has significantly improved. With direction for the continued building of REDUCE GREENHOUSE GAS this improved capacity, the Centre has resilience to the impacts of Global Cli- EMISSIONS, including those aimed successfully completed a mandate from mate Change by CARICOM States. at energy-use efficiency by increasingly the Heads of Government to develop a 2. Articulates the strategic direction resorting to low-emission renewable en- Regional Framework for Achieving De- for the Region’s response to Climate ergy sources. velopment Resilient to Climate Change. Change risks. • Promote implementation of SPECIFIC Utilising a regional consultative process ADAPTATION MEASURES to ad- the Framework was developed and ap- It seeks to: dress key vulnerabilities in the Region. proved by the Heads in July 2009. Using the same process an Implementation Plan • Mainstream Climate Change into the (IP) for the Framework was also devel- SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT

33 CARICOM VIEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

34 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION CARICOM VIEW

The Caribbean has been taking action to stem the adverse effects of climate change on coastal and marine areas

35 CARICOM VIEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Excerpt from the Liliendaal Declaration on Climate Change and Development Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, Georgetown, Guyana, July 2009

Emphasised • “that dangerous climate change is already occurring in ment particularly in renewable and other forms all SIDS (Small Islands and Low-lying Coastal Developing of alternative energy, forestry, agriculture, tour- States (SIDS) regions including the Caribbean and that ism, health, coastal zone management and water many SIDS will cease to exist without urgent, ambitious resources management to increase the Region’s and decisive action by the international community to re- capacity to build resilience and adapt to climate duce global greenhouse gas emissions significantly and change; to support SIDS in their efforts to adapt to the adverse impacts of climate change…;” • further resolve to institute a comprehensive programme of public awareness and education and Declared their hereby invite all, partners, organisations and stakeholders to play a full part in promoting a • “resolve to strengthen our educational institutions to better understanding of climate change and its provide training, education, research and development impacts and in addressing adaptation and miti- programmes in climate change and disaster risk manage- gation.”

gun to experience the impacts of Climate The Implementation • provides the Vision of Transforma- Change and Sea Level Rise. During the tional Change in our Response to the past decade an increase in the frequency Plan: Challenges of a Changing Climate. of extreme weather-related events such as • makes a number of Commitments, floods, droughts, violent thunderstorms, • seeks to guide the identification and Endorsements and Specific Declara- changes in rainfall patterns, coastal ero- prioritization of actions by regional tions on the Actions needed to man- sion, coral reef bleaching is being ob- and national stakeholders under each age the Effects of Climate Change and served. In an effort to provide timely strategic element and goal area of the Development. scientific and technical information to Regional Framework through the use the public and private sectors the Centre of risk management approaches to de- is engaged in improving our data gath- cision-making. The Centre ering and analysis of meteorological and • acknowledges that a transformational oceanographic parameters as well as the change in mind-set, institutional ar- Since its establishment and operation- modelling of regional climatic conditions rangements, operating systems, col- alisation, the Centre has been receiving through to 2100. To this end the Centre, laborative approaches and integrated strong support from donor Agencies and under a regional EU-GCCA sponsored planning mechanisms are essential Governments in the implementation of project is conducting, among other things, to deliver the strategic elements and its programme. Governments supporting the following activities: goals of the regional framework. the Centre and its programme include Australia, Barbados, Belize, the Hellenic 1. Installation highly sophisticated The Implementation Plan (IP), which ar- Republic of Greece, Germany, Italy, Trin- Coral Reef Early Warning Stations ticulates the Region’s vision for address- idad and Tobago, the European Union, (CREWS) in Belize, Barbados, Ja- ing Climate Change and Variability, re- and the United Kingdom. maica, Saint Lucia, and Tobago mains the blueprint for pursuing climate 2. Over a hundred hydrometeorologi- compatible development by enabling the From the actions described above, it may cal stations distributed across all the effective implementation of key activities. be concluded that the Caribbean Com- CARICOM countries munity, since the Rio Summit and the 3. The modelling of all relevant climatic establishment of the Global Principles parameters through to 2100 for use in The Liliendaal on the Sustainable Development of Small vulnerability impact studies Island Developing States (SIDS) under 4. Development of a Climate Change-re- Declaration the BPOA, has taken deliberate actions lated risk assessment manual to mitigate the risks that Climate Change . Another critical policy decision by the poses to their development agendas. Governments is the Liliendaal Declara- tion which was approved by the Heads of From a global perspective this has been a Government in July 2009. The Declara- remarkable achievement from one of the tion: most vulnerable regions which has be-

36 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION CARICOM VIEW Culture and Integration H.E. Desirè Delano Bouterse President of the Republic of Suriname

s Head of State of Suriname, I el, specifically the Ministry of Education must acknowledge that it is a and Community Development, with di- privilege to organise the elev- rect coordination of the Directorate of enth CARIFESTA, `Culture Culture as well as at the regional, Carib- for Development: Celebrating bean level through the Regional Cultural Aour Diversity and Promoting the Central Committee. The Council for Human and Role of Culture in Economic, Social and Social Development (COHSOD), con- Human Development’ in August 2013. sisting of the Ministries of Culture of the Caribbean, has also been involved in the Being a member of the Caribbean Com- preparation phase. munity, my country experiences this moment of preparation in connection with To ensure that proper execution will be the Caribbean Festival, as an opportuni- undertaken, I have, early in the process, ty to bring, in the first place, Caribbean installed the Host Country Management people together, and secondly, an oppor- Committee (HCMC) on June 26, 2012, tunity to draw other people, who have which moment signalled the start of the warmhearted feelings towards the Car- execution of the Caribbean Festival of ibbean and its people, to this part of the Arts 2013. Caribbean. At the same time, organizing CARIFESTA should definitely be char- It is an obligation to make this cultural acterised as a challenge since it is a test event as great and unforgettable as pos- case for my government and my fellow sible. We all must be aware that culture citizens to demonstrate amongst others is an important cornerstone of a healthy their creativity, their strength, their mo- society. First of all, culture is an important tivation, their endurance, whereby friend- part of every development process be- liness and hospitality are predominating cause only taking into account economic traits of our people’s character as guaran- and social factors without paying atten- tees for gracious reception of people with tion to the cultural perspectives will, in other nationalities visiting our country. the long term, prove to be not sustainable. With outstretched arms any tourist/par- Second, cultural expression helps foster ticipant will be welcomed to make them respect and understanding between indi- feel at home and make them really feel viduals and groups with different identi- that we are connected to one another as ties, thereby helping to resolve or prevent human beings. conflict and consequently enhance collab- H.E. Desirè Delano Bouterse oration and relationships. Furthermore, President of the Republic of Suriname In 2011, I had offered, on behalf of the culture gives people a feeling of liberty. Surinamese people, to host the eleventh Since people have the freedom of choice CARIFESTA. From that moment on, with regard to cultural expressions, they intensive preparations guaranteeing an feel better and that, in turn, contributes unforgettable CARIFESTA have start- to motivation leading to valuable contri- ed at the Surinamese governmental lev- butions to society. Finally, culture reflects

37 CARICOM VIEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Let us celebrate at CARIFESTA XI! people’s hopes and aspirations and helps youth to actively take part in the activi- host country of CARIFESTA XI, I am determine positive goals in one’s life; pos- ties especially those parts geared towards looking forward to warmheartedly wel- itive goals create positive institutions and their needs. Furthermore, very special at- coming you all to participate in the up- positive institutions create positive com- tention will be given to often neglected coming Caribbean Festival of Arts in Au- munities. groups like persons with disabilities and gust 2013. senior citizens. These groups will get spe- Suriname and the Surinamese people will cial treatment and many activities will be Congratulations CARICOM on our 40th shortly demonstrate generally accepted adjusted, as necessary, to make accessibil- Anniversary and let us celebrate this dur- heartwarming friendliness to welcome all ity for these groups possible. In addition, ing CARFESTA XI in Suriname individuals who will participate actively or to add lustre to the interesting elements, . passively in the CARIFESTA activities. Surinamese and Caribbean artists will The visitors will witness top level Carib- present art in its purest form for the en- H.E. Desirè Delano Bouterse bean art and other cultural expressions. joyment of all people who will be present. President of the Republic of Suriname In addition to the hospitality, friendliness Paramaribo and the cultural activities, participants With the vision: “To position CARIFES- will get to know the Surinamese cuisine TA as a world-renowned hallmark festival consisting of amongst others a variety of of Caribbean cultural and artistic excel- typical Indian, Creole, Javanese, Chinese, lence, that generates economic benefits, Amerindian and Maroon food. unites the region and excites all people” and the mission: “To stage a mega multi- The Festival will consist of several in- disciplinary roving festival that develops teresting elements which will give more Caribbean arts and culture”, support- colour and prestige to the event. First of ed by the dedication of the participants, all, the Festival will be a Grand Cultural the diverse cultural and historic points of Market to display environmentally sus- interest, I am confident that this CAR- tainable products. Also, there will be spe- IFESTA XI will prove to be an invaluable cial programme components consisting event. of performing and visual arts focusing on the Caribbean youth through the `Youth Therefore, as the President and Head of Focus’ brand, which will encourage the State of the Republic of Suriname, the

38 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION CARICOM VIEW Food for thought

By Janice V.P. Maison, BEd. MSc. CPHE

aribbean food has evolved from health benefits. These include cloves, gar- the influences of the myriad lic, ginger, cinnamon, to which are attrib- nations which travelled from uted properties for colon cleansing, fat afar — Indian, African, Span- metabolism, peripheral circulation, and ish, French, Dutch, Chinese, digestion, among others. The argument Cand Portuguese — to the Southern re- that our ancestors seemed to have sur- gions where they settled and converged vived health-wise on those foods is now into a multicultural community. Over shot down by the counter that they were time, as the various nations melded, so also very active as evidenced by the work did their practices and food, insomuch habits, transportation mode and general that the specific dishes were merged and recreational activities of both children and varied with flavourings from each other’s adults. Although they may very well have cultures and have now become known as been present, non-communicable diseases Caribbean foods. (NCD) did not appear to be as prevalent as they are today. Traditional Caribbean foods conjure up a mélange of bright colours, vibrant sounds, rich fragrances and spicy flavours, comprising an exciting blend of all the Car- Battling NCDs ibbean food groups — a wide range of fruit, vegetables, meats, herbs and spices, Non-communicable diseases are chronic all brought together, very often smoth- ailments which have progressed slowly ered in fat and high in salt. The use of over an extended period of time. These salt is purported to have come from the include heart disease, strokes, diabetes, fact that slaves and indentured labourers hypertension and cancers which all have preserved their meats by using copious the history of working silently in the body amounts of salt and often hung them before manifesting in deleterious symp- over fire, hence the penchant for salted or toms. It is important to note that despite smoked meat, the “jerk” meat being an ex- there may be other underlying factors re- cellent example. Several traditional foods, sponsible for their existence, most often wherever they originated, often include it is determined that they are related to salted, smoked beef/pork/fish/shrimp and food and nutrition practices. Overall, the the ever-present dried coconut milk, as is increase of NCD’s can be attributed to evidenced in many “local’ one-pot meals the effects of industrial and technologi- such as cook-up rice, pelau, and oildown. cal developments which have influenced our lifestyle changes and impacted, not While our palates may be titillated by the only on our food selection, preparation idea of such fare, there is need to pause and intake, but also the general choices and consider the overall effects on our of leisure-time behaviours. well-being. Some condiments and spices included in preparation for flavour en- In the developed world, non-communi- hancement are also promoted for their cable diseases, “particularly cardiovascular

39 CARICOM VIEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION disease (CVD) and type 2 diabetes, are working patterns of males and females in considered diseases associated with afflu- the home, food and nutrition habits, eat- ence, over-consumption of energy-dense ing patterns and physical activity. The foods, and lack of physical activity”1. early 1980’s saw the development of the With an increase in economic prosperity, Regional Food and Nutrition Strategy many populations appear to increase their which at that time was envisaged as a consumption of animal products, and it is strategy that would ensure food sufficien- inviting to associate increased susceptibil- cy for the Caribbean. This was intended to ity to NCD with increased intake of such have a significant impact on the quality of foods2. This trend has gradually overtaken life of the people in the Region. Chang- the Caribbean due to increased commu- es occurring since then, have caused our nication and travel, as well as the constant Regional heads to revisit those strategies support “barrels” which arrive from over- several times over and redefine action seas. These often contain processed food plans in ongoing efforts to combat the items which are usually linked with the food and nutrition problems. The Region- incidence of hypertension, certain cancers al Food and Nutrition Security Policy — and other NCD’s. The WHO3 summa- 2010 (RFNSP) is the most recent, even rized this as “The adverse dietary changes as they are continuously meeting to keep include shifts in the structure of the diet abreast with the economic, technological towards a higher energy density diet with and political changes occurring globally. a greater role for fat and added sugars in This document describes Food Security foods, greater saturated fat intake (mostly as existing “when all people, at all times, from animal sources), reduced intakes of have physical and economic access to suf- complex carbohydrates and dietary fibre, ficient, safe and nutritious food to meet and reduced fruit and vegetable intakes. their dietary needs and food preferences These dietary changes are compounded for an active and healthy life”. by lifestyle changes that reflect reduced physical activity at work and during lei- Some of the considerations of this policy sure time. At the same time, however, poor stemmed from the fact that the region’s countries continue to face food shortages food security was not so much a matter of and nutrient inadequacies”. availability but more of access as well as the traditional eating patterns of the pop- There should also be grave concern over ulation. There was also concern for the the proliferation of fast foods which are general shift from a culture of food pro- very strongly influencing the preferences duction towards one of food importation. of consumers particularly in view of the These among other concerns have focused enhanced flavourings and the added at- on the following issues to be the base of traction of the reduction of meal prepara- the overarching food and nutrition se- tion. Historically, fast foods are high-cal- curity objectives of the RFNSP:- Food orie foods loaded with fat and sodium Availability; Food Access; Food Utiliza- which appeal to the population’s taste tion/Nutritional Adequacy; Stability of buds while also being low-cost and con- Food Supply. venient. Despite the effort of many fast food chains to offer “healthy” items, they Consumers have an integral part to play in have now increased the selection of por- reducing the incidence of NCDs. Howev- tion sizes of the foods as well as the bever- er, in order to fulfill this role, they need ages which very often include high-calorie the support of governments in the form of aerated beverages. In addition to the daily education, principled advice, restrictions been developed as a more user-friendly service, they also offer supervised recrea- on harmful or misleading marketing, and way of enabling consumers to plan, select tional areas for children and birthday par- actions to ensure access to healthy prod- and prepare healthy, safe and appetising ty packages which include the cake, party ucts and the elimination of disincentives meals. These have had varying degrees of food and the facilities. Given this review to healthy consumption.4 Nutrition edu- success, primarily because in some cases, of eating habits across the Caribbean it cation at the community level is an on- the sustainability of the programmes has should not be difficult to understand why going strategy which is designed with not been assured. this shift in nutrition patterns has result- the use of simple messages that deliver ed in increasing rates of obesity, which, succinct messages. However, for these to The scenario presented indicates the di- in turn, has contributed to an increase in be effective, consumers need to recognise lemma of the authorities. Their joint task nutrition-related non-communicable dis- that they must take responsibility for their of enabling change of habits that are em- eases and subsequently, increased morbid- own health. Thus, when the information bedded a culture, in order to improve our ity and mortality rates. is disseminated to them, they are capable health status, without compromising the of making informed choices regarding flavours and appearance of our traditional These situations in the Caribbean are re- their selection, preparation and intake foods. Funding agencies have sponsored sponsible for societal changes, including of meals. Across the Caribbean, food- numerous workshops and task forces to changes in lifestyle trends, parenting roles, based dietary guidelines (FBDG) have develop strategies and formulate action

40 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION CARICOM VIEW

Traditional Caribbean foods conjure up a mélange of bright colours, vibrant sounds, rich fragrances and spicy flavours. plans to alleviate this major Caribbean problem. These now need for a strong inter-sectoral body that will combine the individu- to be removed from the shelves which they occupy and with the al mandates and make a concerted effort towards achieving the aid of more secured funds, be moved into an aggressive imple- “perfect” solution mentation stage. This is a task which, going forward, indeed calls .

1 CARICOM 2010. Regional Food and Nutrition Security Policy. 2 A. M. Salter. Impact of consumption of animal products on cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and cancer in developed countries. Division of Nutritional Sciences, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Sutton Bonington Campus, Loughbor- ough, Leicestershire LE12 5RD. www.animalfronteirs.org 3 WHO 2013 . 3. Global and regional food consumption patterns and trends http://www.who.int/nutrition/topics/3_foodconsumption/ 4 www.consumersinternational.org September 2011 - Consumers International recommendations for the UN high-level summit on non-communicable diseases (NCDs)

41 CARICOM VIEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION Music as Regional Glue

Viewpoint by Dave Martins

e have been at it as far the West Indies team, and newspaper ed- back as 1921, when the itors in the various Caribbean countries Jamaican legislature saw a often tailor their commentaries to stress motion to ask the British the part played by the local cricketer; Shiv Colonial Office to consult will feature in Guyana; Bravo or Pollard Wthe other islands on the idea of a federa- in Trinidad; Roach or Best in Barbados, tion – this notion of regional unity, that etc., even in a match West Indies lost. is. We had gone on to embrace the idea The other burr under the unity saddle in officially in 1947 in Montego Bay with cricket is that the national flags continue the formation of the Standing Closer As- prominent at international games, almost, sociation Committee (SCAC) to draft a to a degree, identifying if not proclaiming federal constitution uniting the British the differences. Caribbean territories (the then British Guiana had reserved its position await- Music probably has the most potential ing developments). Our history is replete for the kind of cultural glue that might with regrets about the subsequent failed emerge in the Region to help us come West Indies Federation, and, in recent together beyond nationality because, like years, with securing this elusive regional cricket, it foments across the Region, and, unity, and to therefore point consequent- unlike cricket, it is not packaged in na- ly at such integers of accord as cuisine, tional colours or emblems. Furthermore, cricket and music. and again unlike cricket matches which occur occasionally, music is a continuous The allusion to what we eat and drink as round-the-clock presence, and it exists being one of our areas of commonality everywhere – in the homes we inhabit, appears to be a stretch. Certainly the Car- in the cars we drive, in our entertainment ibbean is known for its spicy food, but we places, and, latterly, in the individual spac- differ widely from territory to territory on es of our headphones or mobile devices. the specifics. The Jamaican curry is deli- It is always on. It is also in the remote cious, but it is a different delicious from corners of our countries; the Vincentian the Trinidad or Guyana versions; jerk chopping bananas is listening, as is the cuisine soars properly only in Jamaica, as Guyanese miner digging for gold, or the does stuffed fish in Barbados, pepperpot St. Lucian fisherman, or the mother in in Guyana, and fish broth in St. Lucia. Blanchisseuse cooking pelau. Guyanese turn up their noses at Trini- dadian mauby with its essence emphasis, as the Trinidadians mock Guyanese attempts at doubles. Even our breads are strikingly different. In cricket, as well, we remain hostage to the national sinew as each country stren- uously pursues its ratio of “our boys” on (Continued on page 44)

42 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION CARICOM VIEW Sport Solidifying our common Caribbean bonds Viewpoint by Keith Joseph

`What struck me then and now is the huge potential for sports in our Community. No one can deny the surge of pride in our Region when our athletes triumphed. For a Region whose people are starving of contact with each other, it seems to me that one of the best gifts we can give to our young people, is collective investment in sports development in our Community. - Dr. the Hon. Kenny Anthony, Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Twenty-third Intersessional Meeting, Haiti 18th February, 2013)

he Caribbean, long seen as a stitution has been able to achieve. was CLR James who guided us to an ap- scattering of little rocks that preciation of our Caribbean involvement pop up to and fro demarcating Sport has immense potential for the de- in it as a means of liberating ourselves the Caribbean Sea from the At- velopment of the human condition and from the yoke of colonialism in his semi- lantic Ocean that perhaps were by extension, of human society – phys- nal work, Beyond A Boundary. Tnever intended for human habitation, ical well being, discipline, pursuit of ex- survived the experience of conquest, col- cellence, respect for others, camaraderie Beckles and Sheppard more deliberately onization, slavery and indentureship that and unity. Sport has the capacity to break explored this theme of cricket as a liberat- located us in the global society as capable down barriers and allow for the best of ing experience for Caribbean peoples. of achieving little on our own. mankind to shine through. The Caribbe- an has a strong sporting legacy and is evi- While the political institution that sought The fractious West Indies Federation and dence of the significant contribution that to forge Caribbean unity more deliberate- the early trauma of Independence may sport can make to regionalism. ly was the ill-fated West Indies Federa- well have led many to believe that the di- tion that began in 1958 and petered out vide and rule policy of the colonisers was in 1962, leaving the Region perhaps more the legacy with the single most important West Indies Cricket, fractured than hitherto, cricket and the impact evident in near-tribal insularity West Indies cricket team inadvertently amongst Caribbean peoples. Sport has, West Indies emerged as a more attractive vehicle for however, revealed that as a people we in facilitating regionalism. the Caribbean possess the talent and de- Federation and UWI termination to succeed at a global level (as numerous of our academics have done) West Indies Cricket has been around for yet facilitate the bringing together of our more than a century during which time it aspirations as a collective that no other in- has had its ups and downs. Nonetheless, it (Continued on page 46)

43 CARICOM VIEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

(continued from page 42)

The various vigorous musics of the Carib- bean move to every corner of the Region and find open arms. Jamaican reggae (now dancehall) is popular everywhere, both on radio and in live shows; the same is true of Trinidadian soca and its mellower Bar- badian version. Even cadence (now zouk) from the French islands is known across the Region, and our popular performers bridge the inter-island gaps with singers such as Machel Montano and Shaggy and Allison Hinds appearing on diverse Car- ibbean stages, performing to audiences who react to them in an embrace of clear acceptance, if not ownership. Even in the narrower chutney genre, popular mostly in Trinidad and Guyana with its Indian populations, singers from those two countries are constantly combining with each other seamlessly in chutney fetes that draw thousands in a cultural wash that is so natural that it’s not even remarked on. There are some other intriguing aspects to the potential in music for concord. One is the endurance factor. Of all the performing arts, music is the one that remains most vivid in the lives of the people ex- posed to it. We form attachments to particular songs, or pieces of music, which are still front and centre for us long after the memory of a film or a piece of theatre has faded. The song stays vivid. Part of it is certainly the repeat factor – we can continue to revisit the music for years, even decades – but a part of it, as well, is that mysterious phenomenon of the memory of a sound that never seems to fade away. Sometimes, it can even be a riff – as the organ line in Bob Marley’s No Wom- an No Cry; it’s a signature of the song. I remember, for instance, appearing with Tradewinds in St. Croix where the crowd erupted in applause at the introductory guitar line of A Little While From Now. Way up there in the northern Caribbean, we had formed a connection through a song. Also there is an often unremarked commonality in Caribbean popular music in that all of it is rooted in the folk tradition, which is one of the factors underlying its acceptance by the ordinary man and woman in our Region. Indeed many of our acclaimed artistes are actually singing about our culture, so that while the nature of the vehicle may vary – reggae with its emphasis on bass rhythms; dancehall with Black Stalin the vocalist reproducing drum patterns;

44 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION CARICOM VIEW soca with a preference for high tempos – the folk basis is a constant that appeals to us. To actually propel regional cohesion, however, unification themes, or referenc- es, will have to come into the music on the content side to propagate the point. This is not spontaneously happening now. We should divert here to caution the reality for any popular music of any day: the creators in the art form are reflecting society. The widespread assertion that pop songs generate behaviours is largely myth; the writers of songs that become popular are artists who are drawing their themes from their environments. The popular Trinidadian icons such as Black Sta- lin, Shadow, Sparrow, Rudder, etc., were dealing with the realities of that country. The angry, sometimes violent, songs of the dancehall genre are telling the ghet- to life story unadorned and unedited, and that is the basis of its rabid connection to those who know that life. In brief, those themes, expressed by the artists, and admittedly sometimes overdone, are depic- tions of how the people feel and behave. The caution is to note that over the years, no popular Caribbean song has emerged on the topic of regional unity. There can be various reasons for this, but my instinct tells me it could very well be that the idea itself has not yet found favour with the common man and woman; our tepid re- actions to the topic suggest that. Music probably has the most potential for the kind of cultural glue that might emerge Leave it to say two things: as worthwhile in the Region

as it is as a cause, the impediments to regional unity are formidable – even in that first federation motion in 1920, the vote was thirteen to four against; that is one reality. However, the other is that if the potential to stir unity now lies anywhere it probably lies in our music. It is a diverse and vibrant force, commonly available to all, that reaches everywhere and speaks to us with both an immediacy as well as an endurance that no other form of the arts can match. The test, however, will be whether such “unity” songs emerge on their own; that will be the sign that we have progressed from choosing to stay in our separate huts and have come to see the worth, indeed the need, for an all-in-one benab. We will know when we have reached that stage; our singers, having heard it in their communities, will be telling us loud and clear. Cultural Glue: The TRADEWINDS (L-R) Harry Cupid, Barbados. Dave Martins, All of us who agonise over the future of Guyana, Richard Terry, Cayman Islands. Jeff Japal, Grenada. Clive Rosteing, the Caribbean have to hope that the wait Trinidad is not long.

45 CARICOM VIEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Nurturing youth in sport

(continued from page 43) mere few months later, again lifted the Caribbean spirit almost beyond measure. The University of the West Indies has, like West Indies cricket, It was Lara’s batting leadership when Australia toured the Car- stayed the course where the Federation disappeared. These two ibbean and he had just assumed the captaincy from Walsh that institutions, some suggest, are at once vestiges of the past and revealed more than any other event the impact of sport. Playing hopes of the future for the peoples of the Caribbean. the first test as captain in Jamaica, the fans, loyal first to Walsh, came prepared to boo Lara into submission and so too did The exploits of Brian Charles Lara, even in the midst of the many across the Caribbean. Lara’s unique gift of batting genius, extensive cricketing drought of the Regional team, again reflect- however, changed all that as he pummelled his nemesis, Glen ed how sport has the immense capacity to unify this Region of McGrath, all over the place to the delight of the Caribbean peo- ours so often characterised by a near-debilitating insularity. His ple. The very people who had brought harshly written placards exciting capture of the world test record at the Antigua Rec- against the Prince turned around and sat on them in triumphant reation Ground was remarkable and was hailed as a Regional delight at the gift of sport displayed in the middle. achievement. When this record was lost to Australia’s Matthew Hayden, Lara’s historic repeat feat in Antigua and Barbuda a Lara did the same in Barbados for the second test where his

46 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION CARICOM VIEW double century led the team to victory in a most startling fashion. Lara saw the batting through to the very end when he and Walsh eventually brought cheers across the Caribbean. Barbados and Barbadians expressed the deepest desires of the Caribbean by taking Lara cross-country in a motorcade of celebration. As James observed, the West Indies cricket team is the embodi- ment of the aspirations of the peoples of the Caribbean. When- ever the West Indies cricket team is playing, despite the extensive drought experienced over the past three decades, the peoples of the Caribbean still eagerly sit by their radios and televisions, intimately linked to the players of the Region, not to any particular country. The Caribbean is currently enjoying the fortunes of both the team and of the individual players now that there are numerous playing opportunities in one form of the game or another around the world. Players in the Indian Premier League and Club Championships are all followed with great enthusiasm and the Caribbean peoples lay claim to everyone’s success as their own, regardless of which country the players come from. Football

Perhaps the most stunning example of the unifying impact of sport in the Caribbean came in 1989 when Trinidad and Tobago was scheduled to play the USA in Port of Spain, Trinidad, for a place in the World Cup Finals of 1990. The entire Caribbean peoples were at one. The Regional and international media covered the immense togetherness of the Caribbean people regardless of which island they were located. Everywhere, women were wearing outfits and painting their nails in the red, white and black of the twin island The ascendancy of Usain Bolt of Jamaica in track and field athletics Republic; men donned jerseys in the national colours; Trinidad has led the Caribbean to new heights around the world. Jamaica and Tobago paraphernalia could be found everywhere including and the entire Caribbean have, since 2008, been the beneficiary among Caribbean peoples in the Diaspora. The football aspi- of Brand Bolt, a stunning phenomenon that has analysts every- rations and expectations of the peoples of Trinidad and Toba- where researching what it is about the Caribbean that leads to go had at once become those of the entire Caribbean. Even the such sprinting prowess. disappointment that came with the loss to the USA infected the Caribbean in no small measure. The same euphoria pervaded throughout the Region during the build-up and eventual partic- Conclusion ipation of the Jamaican team at the World Cup Finals of 1998 and again when the Trinidad and Tobago team eventually qual- Sport has a very unique capacity to break down barriers of every ified for Germany 2006. sort by relegating our differences and elevating our achievements. The peoples of the Caribbean love sport because it relieves them of the burden of the numerous challenges that confront them Olympics and Athletics daily. The camaraderie that exists between sportspeople even in rivalry often stands as ample testimony to sport’s enduring ca- The Caribbean announced its arrival on the global athletics scene pacity to lift the spirit of people beyond the narrow confines of when, at the 1948 Olympics in London, Arthur Wint grabbed island boundaries and tribalism. gold and silver in the 400m and 800m respectively. Herb McK- enley finished second in the 400m. Four years later, the Car- At the London Olympics 2012, the entire Caribbean watched ibbean left no doubt as to our athletic prowess when the 4 x with bated breath and cheerful anticipation the splendid perfor- 400m relay team as well as George Rhoden won gold (400m). mances of the Jamaicans, Bahamians, Trinidadians and Tobago- McKenley finished second in the 100m and 400m respectively nians, Grenadians and all the other athletes who represented the with Wint second in the 800m. Region, most of whom had at one time or the other performed at that Caribbean nursery, Carifta Games. The Caribbean teams to the Pan American Games in Chicago, 1959, and the Olympic Games in Rome (1960) refreshingly en- This Caribbean of ours is a very good example of the ways in tertained the peoples of the Region as there was a strong sense of which sport is perhaps the best catalyst to accelerate our attempt what is possible as one entity competing against the best. at solidifying our common bonds and to re-kindle the Caribbe- an unification process.

47 CARICOM VIEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

Reflecting on the Past, Embracing the Present, Creating the Future

DWAYNE GUTZMER CINDY FERLA MORQUETTE TAMIRA BROWNE

Vice Dean Regional Initiatives, Dean, Incoming Dean, CARICOM Youth Ambassador CARICOM Youth Ambassador CARICOM Youth Ambassador Programme Programme Programme Country: St. Vincent & The Country: Jamaica Country: Haiti Grenadines

s we celebrate our 40th mile- vision. The late great visionary and re- recommendations obtained therein. stone, it is important that gional integration pioneer, Sir Rex Nettl- we pause to reflect on the eford, alluded to the notion that regional Among the numerous recommendations progress of the Caribbean integration is not a sprint but more like given was that of “Transformational Community (CARICOM). long distance running. Governance” as posited by Terri-Ann AThis body, charged with the mandate of Gilbert-Roberts (2011) who stated that achieving regional integration, engages, The Time for Action Commission led by “Strategic Leadership, an Ideological promotes and provides opportunities to Sir Shridath Ramphal in 1992 pointed Framework and an Effective Institutional CARICOM Member States to collective- to an “implementation deficit” in CAR- Framework” were key pillars for consider- ly direct the way forward. It is true, that ICOM. Undoubtedly this “implementa- ation as we move towards having region- in the journey towards a fully integrated tion deficit” has often become associated al integration in its truest sense. Addi- Caribbean Community we have seen nu- with the Regional institution and is a tionally, in May 2011, the former Prime merous ups and downs, pauses and plays crippling cause for concern. As we pro- Minster of Grenada, the Honourable and even moments of rewind and replays. gress, this must be urgently addressed, as Tillman Thomas, presented a proposal to Despite this, however, CARICOM is the it continually shifts the focus from and the CARICOM Heads of Government second oldest regional integration initia- threatens to undermine the advancements dubbed “Re-Energizing CARICOM tive in the world with a number of success made thus far in building the Caribbean Integration” in which he stated: “CAR- stories and developments. In this context, Community. During this renewal phase, ICOM needs to undertake concrete ac- we must press on even more so now, to we must anchor our actions in the pleth- tions that deliver tangible benefits to the achieve our desired goals, with all hands ora of studies, reports, commissions and regional population and that demonstrate on deck, understanding that dedication experiences that have been undertaken the value of regionalism in ways that and longevity are critical in achieving the over the last 40 years grounded by the touch on their daily lives.”

48 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION CARICOM VIEW

We are ready to play our part

The former Prime Minister of Grenada Among the voices heard from in civ- cetera) in an effort to increase the aware- also expressed the need for the mobiliza- il society are those of the youth bodies, ness of young people across the Region tion of civil society as it is important to networks and institutions across the R\ about CSME and related issues as well as have “all categories of civil society stake- region. Within the past two decades, the representing the youth voice on issues of holders become integral to decision-mak- CARICOM Secretariat, through the in- concern to the Region’s young people at ing and implementation of the Commu- valuable and often phenomenal work of the national, Regional as well as interna- nity’s objectives.” This, in our view is one the Youth Desk (one, at most two persons tional levels. of the single most important issues to be within the Directorate of the Human addressed as we are faced time and again and Social Development (HSD)) has en- However, despite all its success, the with the reality that the average citizen gaged and welcomed youth participation CYAP continues to be plagued with little simply does not know enough about in the Regional integration efforts in a or no funding support, giving rise to an CARICOM. Predictably, this becomes a meaningful and progressive way. Over the inadequate framework to ensure mean- standard bearer for sentiments of discon- years, we have seen and heard numerous ingful youth inclusion and participation nection from the objectives, the benefits achievements of the CARICOM Youth in all aspects of the Region’s youth devel- that can be derived and importantly, the Ambassadors Programme (CYAP) as it opment agenda. Young people represent significant role they play in the advance- partners with other regional and local on average 60 per cent of the Region’s ment of CARICOM. youth networks (Commonwealth Youth population, a significant proportion that Programme, National Youth Councils, et- needs to be engaged and re-energized

49 CARICOM VIEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION in this renewal phase. This, we believe, tives of CARICOM and include; stances; can be achieved if significant resources, v. ensuring a sustained Regional re- greater levels of commitment and sup- i. ensuring effective and efficient de- search agenda and information and port are placed behind the holistic im- livery of evidence-based adolescent knowledge management on the sit- plementation of the recently developed and youth development policy, pro- uation of Caribbean adolescents and CARICOM Youth Development Goals grammes and services; youth; (CYDG). ii. mainstreaming adolescent and youth vi. ostering adolescent and youth aware- development into multi-sectoral pol- ness and appreciation of Caribbean The Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas es- icy and programming arrangements identity and citizenship. The CARICOM Commis- sion on Youth Development not only successfully demon- strates the benefits of effective Youth-Adult partnership, but has also been instrumental in highlighting youth views and concerns related to structur- ing the way forward for youth in the integration process. To this end, we are sufficiently convinced that achieving the goals within the CYDAP would result in greater progress towards achieving the objectives set out in the Re- vised Treaty in a more coher- ent and progressive manner - an exciting platform on which to embark on the upcoming 40 years! In 1973 when the Caribbe- an Community was formed, our leaders may have been anxious, but with vision they were courageous enough to be resolute in embarking on the journey despite the collapse of the British West Indies Fed- eration. However cautious we may have become of its success to-date, we must never doubt that our quest is: the importance and permanence of the Caribbean Commu- nity. This vision must remain relevant to all generations so that in another 40 years, when generations reflect, they Youth for CARICOM would recognize the beginning of CARICOM as a truly significant and definitive time in our history and its value tablishing the CARICOM Single Mar- within governments and institutions in improving the lives of the ordinary cit- ket and Economy highlights the objec- operating within the Caribbean izens. However, we cannot negate the fact tives of the Community as: functional Community; that there have been significant changes in cooperation, foreign policy coordination, iii. ensuring genuine participation of and the technological landscape over the last economic integration and security. Any partnership with young people in all 40 years, and as such, we must adjust the investment in youth would provide for aspects of national and Regional de- way we interact with and engage the Com- sustainable action in all these areas. The velopment; munity. CARICOM Youth Development Goals iv. ensuring that developments and in- outlined in the CARICOM Youth De- vestments are appropriate to the In light of the struggles of CARICOM velopment Action Plan (CYDAP) are needs of varying youth cohorts and to in achieving a connected and unified also in keeping with the goals and objec- young people’s life stages and circum- Region, the thoughts surrounding our

50 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION CARICOM VIEW

attainment of this goal seem to indicate that we still have much left to do. The use of technology must play a part in bridg- ing this gap! Dominica’s Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit, in 2011, highlighted that his belief that for the most part, the Community existed “only in the words of the Treaty, rather than as a tangible entity that is seen by its people as a vital part of their lives”. As a Community, we must realize that the pauses and plays of the past are potentially detrimental to the entire vision of CARICOM. The inaugural address by Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, the seventh Secretary General of CAR- OUR ICOM, pointed to the fact that no one person was able to make the kind of difference that the Community needed; no one person could fulfill the vision/journey ahead. Instead, he stated that “The entire NEXT Community must make this journey with me. I cannot make the strides we have to, without the total involvement of Member States and the people of the Region.” Therefore, if our last 40 years have taught 40 us nothing else, which is far from the case, it is that separation and division amount to greater vulnerability. If we ever hope to achieve greater sustainability, economic clout and Regional recognition, associa- YEARS tion, integration and togetherness must underline our future actions • must be a time for implementation . and action, • must be a time when sustained action replaces rhetoric, WE ARE READY to take on and play • must be a time where each word and our part in overcoming the present every action from our Regional challenges and those challenges ahead. It is our firm belief that if we all play leaders evoke an awakening of the our part, by continuing to “labour in talents, innovativeness, creativity and the vineyard of Caribbean integration” we can and we will together reap the boldness of our people and more associated rewards. specifically our young people, Sure, it will require greater dedica- • must be a time where unlocking, tion, understanding and a pragmatic creating and promoting Regional approach to the vision, but the past 40 years are gone in history, now our work opportunities for young people takes must be grounded in ensuring that in centre stage, and the next 40 years, the content of our Treaty is made manifest in the every- • must be a time where every citizen not day life of our CARICOM brothers and only feels connected to this Regional sisters. thrust, but more importantly Let’s Join Hands, Hearts, & Minds & understand the vital role they play in its Shape It Together! success!!

51 CARICOM VIEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION From Colgrain to Turkeyen

The evolution of the Caribbean Community Secretariat

s the Caribbean Community IFTA preceded the establishment of the (CARICOM) celebrates its Caribbean Community. 40th anniversary, we retrace the development of the prin- During his short term in office from cipal administrative organ of 1968-1969, Secretary-General Cozier Athe Community, the CARICOM Secre- occupied the northern half of the magnif- tariat. icent wooden building on Camp Street in Georgetown, while the Secretariat staff of The Secretariat, now housed in an impres- four at that time occupied the southern sive edifice at Turkeyen, Greater George- half. The Secretary-General’s primary re- town, Guyana, had its historic but hum- sponsibility in the initial year 1968-1969 ble beginnings in quarters of Colgrain was the establishment of the Common- House, the residence of Mr. Fred Cozier, wealth Caribbean Regional Secretariat Secretary-General of the Caribbean Free at Colgrain House and servicing the sev- Trade Association (CARIFTA). CAR- eral committees set up by the Caribbean

Sir Edwin Carrington, then CARICOM Sec- retary-General assists at the sod-turning exercise at the Turkeyen location of the The CARICOM Secretariat Headquarters CARICOM Secretariat in 1998. at Turkeyen.

52 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION CARICOM VIEW

Staff members in the CARICOM The CARICOM Secretariat at night. Secretariat Conference Room.

Heads of Government to give effect to establishment of a permanent Secretariat being retained as the Head Office. the provisions of CARIFTA. for the Community to be headquartered in Georgetown and hosted by the Gov- Decades later, the task of delivering on In 1969, the Secretariat was moved to ernment of Guyana. the promise to provide the CARICOM the Third Floor of The Bank of Guyana Secretariat with its own home started Building, home of the Central Bank of With the steady growth of the Commu- with the Guyana Government’s acquisi- Guyana located in the heart of the City. nity and the increasing mandates of the tion of land from GUYSUCO. In 1998, The batch of four staff members increased Secretariat, the fourth floor of the Bank a sod-turning ceremony took place and to 20 during the tenure of Secretary-Gen- of Guyana Building was soon retained to construction of the Headquarters Build- eral William Demas, 1970-1974. accommodate additional offices and staff ing began in May 2001. The inauguration of the Secretariat. As CARIFTA transi- ceremony for the building took place on One of the signatories to the 1973 found- tioned to CARICOM and the staff com- 19 February 2005 in the presence of more ing Treaty of Chaguaramas, the then plement almost doubled, the Secretariat than 600 persons, including Heads of Head of Government of Guyana, the expanded to five annexes across George- Government and State of the Communi- Hon. Forbes Burnham, negotiated for the town with the Bank of Guyana Building ty, representatives of regional institutions, other dignitaries and staff of the CARI- COM Secretariat. Today, the core complement of staff at the CARICOM Secretariat exceeds 300 distributed across the Secretariat of the Secretary-General; the Office of the Deputy Secretary-General; the Directo- rate of Trade and Economic Integration; the Directorate of Foreign Policy and Community Relations; the Directorate of Human and Social Development; the Office of the General Counsel; as well as progammes and projects. In addition, staff members are housed in an Annex, obliquely opposite the headquarters in a modern multi-storey building, and at the CSME Unit and Office of Trade Nego- tiations in Barbados, and a section of the OTN in Jamaica An artist’s impression. of Colgrain House being presented to then CARICOM Sec- retary-General William Demas by staff member, Sheila Chan at a function at Colgrain House.

53 CARICOM VIEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

MISSION STATEMENT to the Secretariat

To contribute, in support of Member States, to the improvement of the quality of life of the People of the Community and the development of an innovative and productive society in partnership with institutions and groups working towards attaining a people-centred, sustainable and internationally competitive Community.

MAIN FUNCTIONS OTHER of the Secretariat SECRETARIES-GENERAL

• Initiate or develop proposals for 1. William Demas, (Trinidad and Toba- consideration and decision by the go), 1973 to 1974; relevant Organs 2. Sir Alister McIntyre, (Grenada), 1974 • Initiate, organise and conduct to August 1977; studies 3. Joseph Tyndall, (Guyana), (acting • Provide, on request, services to Secretary-General), August 1977 to Member States on Community-re- August 1978; lated matters 4. Kurleigh King (Barbados), Novem- • Service meetings of the Organs and ber 1978 to September 1983; Bodies of the Community and take 5. Roderick Rainford (Jamaica), Sep- appropriate follow-up action on tember 1983 to August 1992; decisions taken 6. Edwin W. Carrington (Trinidad and • Collect, store and disseminate rele- Tobago), August 1992 to December vant information to Member States 2010; • Assist Community Organs in the 7. Lolita Applewhaite (Barbados), development and implementation (acting Secretary-General), January of proposals and programmes 2011 to August 2011. • Mobilise resources from donor agencies to assist in the implemen- Prior to the formation of CARICOM, tation of Community Programmes there were Secretaries-General for • Prepare the draft Work Programme CARIFTA. and Budget of the Secretariat for examination by the Budget Com- The Secretaries-General of CARIFTA mittee were: • Provide, on request, technical assistance to national authorities to 1. Frederick L. Cozier, (Barbados), facilitate implementation of Com- 1968 to 1969 munity decisions; and 2. William Demas, (Trinidad and Toba- • Conduct, as mandated, fact-finding go), 1970 to 1973 assignments in Member States The second (and last) Secretary-Gener- The Secretariat is currently al of CARIFTA, Mr. William Demas, then headed by Ambassador Irwin became the first Secretary-General of CARICOM. Mr. Demas was instrumen- LaRocque, the Secretary-Gen- tal in the transition from CARIFTA to eral, who is the Chief Executive the Caribbean Community. Officer of the Community.

Sources: 1. CARICOM Secretariat 2. National Trust, Guyana

54 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION CARICOM VIEW

Secretaries-General of the Caribbean Community

Mr. William Demas

illiam Demas who was Secretary-General of CARICOM from 1973-1974, and also helmed its precursor, the Caribbean Free Trade Associ- ation (CARIFTA) from 1970-1973, is considered one of the major architects of CARICOM. WIt can be argued that he made the most profound contribution to the ideology of integration. In spite of the difficulties which faced the Community in the 1970s, 80s and beyond, Mr. Demas, a national of Trinidad and Tobago, remained optimistic about the success of the integration movement, seized as he was with the understanding that CARICOM was a political and diplomatic necessity for the Region. His vision for the Community was hinged on the themes of development economics, the special problems of small states, the role of the state in development planning, integration and functional cooperation. Underpinning his concern with these was one broad and overarching objective – the maintenance and protection of Caribbean sovereignty. While Mr. Demas expounded excellence as a critical to the Car- ibbean’s development, repeatedly argued that development of the small states of the Caribbean had to be different from that of larger and more mature economies, and constantly emphasized that the process of deeper economic integration had to be prem- ised on financial integration, his greatest contribution might have been in the areas of economic integration and functional Mr. William Demas shares a light moment with the cooperation. He was convinced that those two themes were crit- Hon. Lester Bird, Prime Minister of Antigua and Bar- ical to reducing the problem of size as an inhibitor to the ability buda. of small countries to achieve economies of scale. Sir Meredith Alister McIntyre

Outstanding Caribbean citizen, Sir Meredith Alister McIntyre, bright-Hays Fellow, Columbia University. OCC, was born in Grenada on March 29, 1932. He attended Grenada Boys’ Secondary School and then left to pursue studies, A stalwart in the integration movement, Sir Alister has served first at the London School of Economics and Political Science, with distinction in several areas regionally and internationally. then at the University of Oxford, where he graduated with First He was Director of the Institute of Social and Economic Re- Class Honours. In 1962, Sir Alister served as Assistant Professor search (ISER), University of the West Indies (UWI); Lectur- at the Princeton University and, the following year, as a Full- er and Vice Chancellor of UWI; Secretary-General of CAR-

55 CARICOM VIEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

ICOM; Director of the Commodities Division of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) Secretariat; Chairman of the International Forum on Debt and Development; Vice Chairman of the West Indies Commission on the future of the West Indies ; and the Chief Technical Of- ficer, Regional Negotiating Machinery. He was also retained as a consultant to regional and international financial institutions, including the World Bank and the Inter-American Develop- ment Bank. Sir Alister has been fittingly rewarded for his outstanding con- tributions. In addition to being knighted by the Queen, he was the recipient of a Doctor of Laws Degree (honoris causa) from UWI, national honours of distinction from Guyana and Jamaica, and the Region’s highest honour, the Order of the Caribbean Community (OCC), in 1995. (Sourced from the CARICOM Perspective, Special Millennium Edition, July 2002)

Sir Alister McIntyre received the Order of the Carib- bean Community (OCC) from the Hon Edison James, then Prime Minister of Dominica

Joseph Tyndall

Mr. Joseph Tyndall, a Guyanese national, was seconded to the then Commonwealth Caribbean Regional Secretariat in 1968 as Chief Economist, shortly after the Secretariat was established at Colgrain House, Georgetown, Guyana, completing a tight core of seven staffers. He became Deputy Secretary-General and subsequently served in the capacity of Secretary-General during the period 1977-1978. He held the fort until Dr. Kurleigh King was appointed Secretary-General in 1979. Mr. Tyndall pursued studies in philosophy and economics, and public administration at Exeter University and Bristol Univer- sity, in England, respectively. Prior to joining the Secretariat, Mr. Tyndall served in several capacities in the public service of Guyana, including as Assistant Secretary, Ministry of Develop- ment and Planning, and at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, as Principal Assistant Secretary at the Ministry of Trade and Industry, and as Secretary, Bank of Guyana. He became Minister of Trade and Industry and later, Minister of Agriculture.

Mr. Joseph Tyndall

56 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION CARICOM VIEW

Dr. Kurleigh King

A national of Barbados, Dr. Kurleigh King was Secretary-Gen- eral of CARICOM from 1979-1983, a period that was considered a very difficult one for the Community which was at the time grappling with the global recession that was occasioned by the increase in the prices of petroleum products. He assumed the position when the Secretariat had been functioning for a year without a Secretary-General. Acclaimed for his managerial and organizational skills, Dr. King is credited with modernizing the Secretariat, creating a culture of management and training within the Secretariat, and placing emphasis on the use of computers. Dr. King will be remembered for organizing, with behind-the- scenes diplomacy, the first meeting in seven years of Heads of Government of CARICOM. That meeting was held in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, in 1982. It was at this meeting that it was agreed that there would be annual meetings of the Heads of Govern- ment. The Heads of Government currently meet twice each year- an Intersessional Meeting held in the first quarter of the year, and in July for the Regular Meeting – and for special sessions as the need arises. An Economist by training, Dr. King earned a doctor of philosophy degree from Columbia University in New York and a Bach- elor of Arts degree from London University in England. He was assistant dean of the graduate school of business at Columbia University in New York City from 1967 to 1968. He served with distinction as the General Manager of the Barbados Industrial Development Corporation, and Director of the Industry Divi- sion of the Caribbean Development Bank. In 1983, the Queen and the Barbadian government awarded King the Gold Crown of Merit of Barbados for his contribution to Caribbean co-op- Dr. Kurleigh King eration. Roderick Rainford

Mr. Roderick Rainford, a national of Jamaica, became Secre- tary-General in 1983. He served as Deputy Secretary-General prior to acceding to the position of Secretary-General. A firm believer in team work and collective leadership, he therefore assumed the position with what he described as a “good sense from the inside, of the problems and challenges facing the movement at the time”. The challenges at that time -more prominent among them the Grenada crisis and intra-regional trade - however, did not prevent progress. Mr. Rainford’s tenure gave practical action and direction to major integration instruments such as substantial progress in the removal of barriers to the free movement of goods; advancement of the construction of the Common Ex- ternal Tariff; reactivation and revival of the Caribbean Festival of Arts (CARIFESTA); and the creation of or consolidation of institutions for common regional action such as the Caribbe- an Environmental Health Institute (CEHI) and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Response Agency (CDERA) now the Car- ibbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA). Mr. Rainford pays keen attention to CARICOM delegates at a meeting One of a cadre of integrationists molded at the University of

57 CARICOM VIEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION the West Indies and a self-described Federationist, Mr. Rainford Mr. Rainford has received several honours including the Ca- holds a B.Sc. in Economics from the UWI. In 1963, he went to cique Crown of Honour from Guyana in 1989 and the Order of Oxford University as a Rhodes Scholar, earning a B.A.in Juris- Jamaica in 1992. In 2008, the UWI conferred on him an Hon- prudence in 1965, and a Diploma in Economic Development in orary Degree of Doctor of Laws. 1966. He was a Woodrow Wilson Fellow in 1971 and in that year, gained his Masters of Arts in International Relations from (Sourced from the CARICOM Perspective, Special Millennium the University of Toronto. He was a former Governor of the Edition, July 2002) Bank of Jamaica. Sir Edwin Carrington

Sir Edwin Wilberforce Carrington, OCC, a national of Trinidad and Tobago, held the position of Secretary-General of CARI- COM since August 1992 until 2010, making him the longest serving Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community. Credited with an unwavering commitment to integration and a sense of realpolitik, Sir Edwin presided over a period that was characterized significantly, by the revision of the founding Trea- ty of Chaguaramas; the widening of the integration movement to include non-English speaking Member States, Suriname and Haiti, and the increase in the number of Associate Members from one to five; the movement from a CARICOM Com- mon Market to the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and the establishment of the foundation of the Single Economy and the creation of critical regional institutions and bodies, among which are counted the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), and the CRICOM Competition Commission (CCC. Sir Edwin is the holder of Bachelors and Masters Degrees in Economics from the Universities of the West Indies and McGill University in Canada. He was also conferred with the degree of Honorary Doctor of Laws by the University of the West Indies and the City University of New York – CUNY (Medgar Evers College). His distinguished career in Diplomacy and Development saw him serve as Deputy Secretary-General, and immediately there- after, 1985-1990, as Secretary-General of the African, Caribbe- an and Pacific Group of States (ACP) – the only Caribbean national to have held that position to date. In acknowledgement of his outstanding service, Carrington Hall at the ACP Secretariat (Brussels) is named in his honour. In recognition of his sterling service to the Community, he was awarded the Order of the Car- ibbean Community (OCC) in 2011. Sir Edwin is also the holder of the Trinity Cross, his country’s highest honor, as well as the Chaconia Medal (Gold), Trinidad and Tobago’s second highest honour. He has also been honoured by other Caribbean States, being the recipient of the Companion of Honour of Barbados (CHB); the Order of Distinction of Belize; the Duarte, Sanchez Y Mella, Gran Cruz De Plata decoration of the Dominican Re- public; the Cacique Crown of Honour (CCH) of Guyana, the Order of Jamaica, the Grand Officer in the Order of the Yellow Star of Suriname, and a Knighthood from Antigua and Barbuda. Recognition of Mr. Carrington’s contribution to the Caribbean was expressed by the Caribbean Diaspora, through the conferring in 2001 of the Pinnacle Award by the National Coalition of Caribbean Affairs. Sir Edwin Carrington, who holds the distinction of being the longest serving CARICOM Secretary-General, 1992-2010.

58 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION CARICOM VIEW

Awards have also flowed from outside the Community with Spain conferring Commander of Number of the Order of Civil Merit and Italy the Order of Merit Commander Class of Italy. Recognition of Mr. Carrington’s contribution to the Caribbean was expressed by the Caribbean Diaspora, through the conferring in 2001 of the Pinnacle Award by the National Coalition of Caribbean Affairs. Sir Edwin was only recently named as a National Icon of Trin- idad and Tobago. Lolita Applewhaite

Ambassador Lolita Applewhaite held the position of Secre- tary-General (ag) in 2011. Ambassador Applewhaite holds a Masters in International Pub- lic Policy from the School of Advanced International Studies, the Johns Hopkins University, Washington, D.C., and a Bach- elor’s Degree in Political Science, from the Institut d’Etudes Ambassador Applewhaite addresses the Twenty-Sec- Politiques, Universite d’Aix-Marseille, Aix-en-Provence, France. ond Inter-sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in February 2011 in Grenada. Ambassador Applewhaite has a wealth of experience in Interna- tional Relations, Administration and Policy Formulation. Before potentiary of Barbados to Venezuela and to Brazil in 1992. Am- joining the CARICOM Secretariat as Deputy Secretary-Gen- bassador Applewhaite has also served as Permanent Secretary in eral, she served in the Barbados Diplomatic Service for more the Barbados Public Service in Ministries of the Environment, than twenty years, holding postings in North America and Eu- Tourism, International Transport, Education, Youth Affairs and rope before concluding as Ambassador Extraordinary and Pleni- Culture. Irwin LaRocque

Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, a national of Dominica, is the seventh Sec- retary-General of CARICOM. He assumed the office of Secretary-General on 15 August 2011. While his service at the CARICOM Sec- retariat began in September 2005, when he assumed the position of Assistant Secretary-General, Trade and Econom- ic Integration, Ambassador LaRocque’s integral involvement in the integration process long preceded that appointment. Back in 1987, as Chief Technical Officer in the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Tourism of Dominica, Ambassador La- Rocque was immersed in CARICOM affairs as his work occasioned his input at a number of regional and international trade fora. He was Dominica’s Senior Pol- icy Adviser on the revision of the original Treaty of Chaguaramas and served on the Inter-Governmental Task Force (IGTF) which resulted in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. Ambassador Irwin LaRocque, CARICOM Secre- Ambassador LaRocque’s experience is tary-General, and His Excellency Michel Martelly, not limited to regional trade and integration matters. He has President of Haiti and then Chairman of the Confer- managed diplomatic negotiations with third countries and in- ence of Heads of Government during his visit to the CARICOM Secretariat in March 2013. (continued on page 60)

59 CARICOM VIEW 40TH ANNIVERSARY EDITION

(Continued from page 9) (Continued from page 59)

It was altogether not ‘a bad day at the of- ternational development partners which fice’, despite the difficult global economic required political acumen for successful environment most of the time. We there- completion. He testified, on behalf of the fore not only held it together - steady as it Community, before the United States In- goes - for a very long period, but also en- ternational Trade Commission on trade hanced it by deepening and widening it.” relations between the Caribbean and the United States, with emphasis on extend- Sir Edwin noted also that during the pe- ing and expanding the Caribbean Basin riod, the Secretariat’s host country, Guy- Initiative (CBI). He subsequently suc- ana, provided a “spanking new Headquar- cessfully coordinated a Ministerial Mis- ters building.” sion to meet with representatives of the United States Congress and the United “The new group of Leaders are in charge States Administration on a range of issues of the longest surviving integration of interest to the Community. The CBI grouping in the developing world and for has since been extended. He Co-Chaired about half of its life, I have had the great the US-CARICOM Trade and Invest- honour of being its Secretary-General,” ment Council and led negotiations with he added. the United States Trade Representative Office for a new Trade and Investment To achieve this feat, the former Secre- Framework Agreement which was signed tary-General said, apart from the able in May 2013. Secretariat staff and officials from Mem- ber States, “our leaders played crucial, at His current primary focus is on spear- times decisive roles, in moving this pro- heading the process of Change in the cess along to the stage at which it has now CARICOM Secretariat and the Com- reached.” munity institutions, advancing and con- solidating and the gains of the CARI- Sir Edwin is of the strong belief that the COM Single Market and boosting public integration process must now move to a education and communication. higher stage, and to achieve that, there is a critical need for ‘all hands to be on deck’ Ambassador LaRocque was educated at and for some critical changes to be made. Queen’s College and the New School for “Our Leaders, the Private Sector and the Social Research, both in New York, and Public Sector, Labour, Civil Society and New York University, and majored in Po- most critically the Youth of the Region litical Philosophy, Pure Economics and including our schools, must be involved,” Political Economics he said. “Interestingly enough, I saw a re- . cent call by the Director General of the World Trade Organisation (WTO), for more integration among the Member States of CARICOM,” he pointed out. Sir Edwin also called for greater use of technology, for more outreach and in- teraction by the Secretariat and other Regional Institutions, in spreading the message and educating and informing the Region’s people about the initiatives, benefits, costs and nature of the integration process. “We must log on to the social networking sites, for example, and maintain a presence. It is imperative that the message be spread consistently. It is in part through informing and involving the population, in particular the youth, that the Com- munity will become more vibrant and sustain a momentum towards making us a stronger, more viable and prosperous Region,” he concluded.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat P.O. Box 10827 Turkeyen Greater Georgetown, Guyana Tel: (592) 222-0001-75 Fax: (592) 222-0171 Email: [email protected]; [email protected] www.caricom.org facebook.com/cc.secretariat