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Axline, W. Integration and Development in the Commonwealth Caribbean: The Politics of Regional Negotiations. University of Wisconsin Press, 1978. Accessed on 10 April 2019.

Freckleton, Marie, et al. Caribbean trade and integration: trends and future prospects. CEPAL, 2010.

Jessen, Anneke and Ennio Rodriguez. The Caribbean Community: Facing the Challenged of Regional and Global Integration. INTAL – ITD, 1999. Accessed on 10 April 2019.

“Caribbean Crucible: History, Culture, and Globalization.” Social Studies, http://www.socialstudies.org/sites/default/files/publications/se/6402/640201.html. Accessed 6 April 2019.

“Desmond’s at 30: ‘I wrote it for white people”. The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2019/jan/04/desmonds-at-30-i-wrote-it-for-white-people. Accessed 10 April 2019.

Mandle, Jay. Caribbean Integration and the Global Economic Crisis. 2010. Accessed 10 April 2019.

“Many benefits from the CSME.” BBC Caribbean, http://www.bbc.co.uk/caribbean/news/story/2004/06/printable/040625_csme-explained.shtml. Accessed on 7 April 2019.

McLean, Sheldon, et al. Regional integration in the Caribbean, the role of trade agreements and structural transformation. ECLAC, 2014.

“Pitch black – Britain’s Caribbean influence.” Stuff.co, http://www.stuff.co.nz/sunday-star-times/entertainment/more-entertainment-stories/363187/Pitch-black-Britains-Caribbean-influence. Accessed on 10 April 2019.

“Regional Integration and Development.” CARICOM, https://caricom.org/media-center/communications/speeches/regional-integration-and-development-the-relevance-of-functional-cooperatio. Accessed 7 April 2019.

“Regional Integration is Vital for CARICOM Member States.” CARICOM, https://caricom.org/media-center/communications/news-from-the-community/regional-integration-is-vital-for-caricom-member-states. Accessed on 7 April 2019.

“The Need for Caribbean Cooperation in a Globalizing World.” Central Bank, https://www.centralbank.cw/index.php?eid=1975. Accessed on 6 April 2019.

“Understanding Regional Integration.” Caribbean Elections, http://www.socialstudies.org/sites/default/files/publications/se/6402/640201.html. Accessed on 6 April 2019.

“Unlocking the economic potential of the Caribbean diaspora.” World Bank, http://www.worldbank.org/en/news/feature/2013/12/11/caribbean-diaspora-unlocking-economic-potential. Accessed 10 April 2019.

“Windrush generation: who are they and why are they facing problems?” BBC, https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-43782241. Accessed on 10 April 2019.

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It is not farfetched that the Caribbean would attempt to mirror the EU. Derek Walcott called this practice by Caribbean states 'mimicry'. The fact that English Caribbean law was adopted from colonial law would reduce barriers in the global village as certain legal obligations would be the same.

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https://tinyurl.com/pxjc8bu

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In light of the perspectives put forward, it is apparent that Caribbean integration is most relevant for Caribbean development thereafter can be a strong united citizen of the global village. This is depicted through the Caribbean’s economic, social and political integration. The collective resources amongst the land, the economy and the people benefit the islands far better than individually in the global village. In lieu of the economic and political limitations such as size of markets and little economies of scale, the approach should be to work towards solving the issues affecting production, competitive ability and development in member states. This would then allow Caribbean states to utilize FTAs, CSME and other integrational organization efficiently in order to be competitive within the global economy.

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https://tinyurl.com/y6bvdwwk

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In order for Caribbean states to govern as one, there must be political integration. This is heavily reliant on the individual policy ideologies and mandates of the respective government bodies. Harmony and workability can only be achieved when an individualist framework is set aside and integration at the forefront. One area where this is critical necessitated is through a centralized legal framework. Thus, the adoption of the CCJ as the final and uniform appellate court for the region. Ideally, this can only be realized through the political arena, the directives of the constitution applied, and the voice of the nations heard are united. In practice, CARICOM and CMSE aim to mirror the European Union (EU). However, their potential are limited by the failure of heads of state to agree on legal unions. For example, the main roadblock to CSME’s potential is the failure of member states to agree on “important prerequisites” for a single economy such as a monetary union, uniform tax policies and fiscal incentives.

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https://tinyurl.com/y6xm6tnr

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https://tinyurl.com/y5spd9o9

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CPL T20 Finals, 2018: Trinbago Knight Riders

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CPL T20 Finals, 2018: Trinbago Knight Riders

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https://tinyurl.com/yy6tbjye

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The West Indies has made its integrational impact in the sporting sector globally through cricket. Team effort has shown to promote values of self-esteem, purpose and achievement. Many islanders forgo their national identities to be part of teams that represent the wider Caribbean. The West Indies victory in 1975 at the first ever ICC Cricket World Cup was symbolic to Caribbean people of freedom from colonial dominance in the region. Cricket has further developed Caribbean integration by the creation of CPL. Gives the Caribbean an opportunity at hosting its own sporting event which is big for entertainment. CPL also provides new avenues for Caribbean athletes and drives traffic to the Caribbean as many people travel from around the world to view the games. The culture, entertainment and proceedings of the event is authentic to Caribbean people and at large an attraction to the global spectator.

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There are subgroups within the Caribbean that foster cultural and community network and ties between Caribbean countries thus giving them recognition in the global arena. One example is The University of the West Indies. According to Rt. Rev. Dr. Howard Gregory, UWI has made the greatest contribution to Caribbean development and integration (Campus News, 2018). The Caribbean is known for its high educational standards and UWI embodies this prestige by producing great scholars who contributed to giving the Caribbean its identity including Nobel Laureate Derek Walcott, Judge L. Dolliver M. Nelson and many heads of government. Through its main and open campuses across the region, UWI has integrated Caribbean students for years through education. Apart from the academics, the university allows Caribbean students learn about another and serves as the foundation for creating regional links and networks. The university also makes education more accessible to students by offering discounted rates to citizens of contributing islands and online options for those who cannot go to a physical campus or tied by real life obligatory responsibilities. Further, the university has many student bodies within it also allowing students to integrate with others of their own islands so that there still remains the unique familiarity with each island’s culture and the biennial UWI Games sporting event between campuses.

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Caribbean people have also influenced and fostered social integration by appearing in media with the example of ‘Desmond’s’, a UK sitcom that ran from 1989 to 1994. The show tells the story of a Caribbean family in London with hopes to retire and return home to Guyana. They often come across people whether first generation or later from the Caribbean. The show was a hit and the first of its kind that portrayed Caribbean and black people owning a business and the strong Caribbean culture transmitted to their London born children. Although known for its gags, the underlying message spoke the truth of Caribbean people in UK at the time and gave the diaspora a reality they could relate to. It also fostered hopes and dreams, whether it was to own their own business, learn more about their roots and culture or become more integrated with other Caribbean people.

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In addition, the new Caribbean diaspora had an influence on their new physical home. Here, another aspect of social integration is analysed. This aspect describes social integration as the set of arrangements adopted by the society and the group to accept a new member among them, and to facilitate this acceptance process (igi-global.com). The new Caribbean diaspora used their cultural music such as calypso, rocksteady, dub and reggae and intertwined it with the existing UK and USA music. This evolution Caribbean music birthed popular genres in the UK and USA such as R ‘n’ B, jazz, soul and hip-hop allowing Caribbean stories to transcend through rhythm and beats – all of which are enjoyed globally.

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Social integration is the process in which all members of the society are engaged in a dialogue to achieve and maintain peaceful social relations. It does not imply or suggest forced assimilation (igi-global.com). Social integration has been a very important factor in the development of Caribbean people. One aspect of this the Caribbean diasporas globally mainly in the United Kingdom (UK) and the United States of America (USA). Caribbean immigrants account for 601,700 thousand in the UK as of 2011 and 4.4 million and ten percent of the total population of immigrants in the USA as of 2017 respectively. Mass migration of Caribbean people began in the twentieth century between the 1940s and 1970s to work due to the labour shortage after World War II. They were known as the “Windrush generation” named after the MV Empire Windrush ship, the vessel they journeyed on from the Caribbean to Essex. Being away from one’s native home and being in a new environment and culture can be isolating and uncomfortable for an immigrant. This diasporic double-consciousness is what causes fellow immigrants to come together and create a ‘home away from home’ thus resulting in the development of cultural Caribbean communities overseas. Examples of this is the annual Notting Hill Carnival held in London and Caribana in Toronto.

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https://tinyurl.com/ycgw99ju

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Despite the existence of CARICOM and CSME, the Caribbean Community has a relatively low economic growth. Most member states suffer from deficits and smaller states are over dependent on the tourism sector for their GDP. The Caribbean Community imports more than it exports causing a trade deficit. The main exports account for over 75% of the region’s total exports. Trinidad and Tobago, being the leader, exports account for 46%. Jamaica importing the most, accounts for 28%. Also, the demand of member states goods and services have decreased both regionally and internationally contributing to the underwhelming economic growth. As a result, domestic and regional resources were limited and could not invest the probable desired amount in development. Despite CARICOM and CSME’s efforts, small island developing states (SIDS) are heavily dependent on the little specialized products they produce. However, it is not enough to be competitive globally.

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The Caribbean islands generally cannot compete globally against industrial giants such as China, United States of America, Japan and Germany and also face threats from emerging economies: Brasil, Russia, India, China and South Africa (BRICS). This is mainly due to the size of the islands’ markets, the limited and similar economies of scale and the openness of the economies. The Caribbean Community also faces challenges when competing on the global market which hinders their ability to export more. For example, lack of food and health regulations prevents Caribbean states from exporting to Europe. However, one way in which this problem can be alleviated is by building quality infrastructure such as labs and testing facilities needed to modernize certain Caribbean states.

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“Recognition of seminal truth that only a unified Caribbean politically and economically can save the region from fatal particularism is at least a century old.”

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“Recognition of seminal truth that only a unified Caribbean politically and economically can save the region from fatal particularism is at least a century old.”

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- Nobel Laureate Sir Arthur Lewis

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Economic integration is currently the most popular form of regional integration in the Caribbean. According to Sir Arthur Lewis [1968] “economic and political integration” has been a perpetual issue in the Caribbean. he primary purpose of economic integration is to make Caribbean states collectively more competitive in the global economy.
The main bodies responsible for such is CARICOM and CSME and the subgroup, OECS. These groups facilitate this by dismantling trade barriers between regional states. This is done by creating free trade agreements (FTAs) and maximizing production by allowing free work mobility to citizens and exploitation of non labour resources amongst the member states. Member states have benefited from this integration as some member states have more resources than others. Each state has its area of specialization so when pooled, they give each other greater opportunities to increase output. Economic integration allows free movement of certain persons such as university graduates, cultural workers, teachers, nurses and sports persons are in effect and contribute to a sustainable integration process. Apart from relocating for work, the immediate families of the individual can enjoy health and educational benefits as well. Together, the collective Caribbean group is recognised within global integrated groups such as Commonwealth.
Further, collectively the Caribbean has made an impact on the service industry including tourism and hotel industry. Organizations such as CTO aid the Caribbean in maintaining the competitiveness through many programmes including developing an authentic tourism product, training international travel agents in selling the Caribbean destination, advertising and promotions.

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http://tinyurl.com/y4kpbxun

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Paradoxically, the rise of Caribbean integration during the colonial era fostered the parallel rise of globalization. Evidence of this dates back to the sixteenth century during the Maritime Exploration when the popularity of mercantilism was growing. New settlers brought along with them crops to the Caribbean causing a boom in agricultural production and exportation including tobacco, cotton, cocoa and sugar presaged which all enabled Europe’s Industrial Revolution. The hunger for trading power resulted in more travel between the west and eastern side of the world, creation of new routes, monopolies and catalyzed government networks. This constant movement of product and people have since developed into today’s modern global village where communication and transactions are virtually a click away. It is therefore incorrect to think of the global village and Caribbean integration as mutually exclusive. To critically understand Caribbean Integration and determine its relevance in Caribbean development, it must be assessed through the perspectives of economic, social, and political integrational impacts.

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Examples of membership of regional organisations

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Examples of membership of regional organisations

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http://tinyurl.com/yy4po8a9

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Despite the variations in ethnicity, culture and individual identities, there still remain a collective sense of culture and identity in the contemporary Caribbean. This is depicted through the geographical nest, unique yet related resources, limited economies of scale, size and population, all of which harmonize and unite the islands thus, posing no threat to integration. This is further evident by the existence of institutional bodies such as Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the University of the West Indies (UWI), Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO), Caribbean Premier League (CPL) and Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ). Ultimately, Caribbean integration is defined as a process where two or more nation states unanimously come together to achieve peace, stability and wealth (Caribbean Elections, n. d.). The execution of such relies on the objective cooperation from member states, as the failure to do so can lead to dissolution or essentially “wasted efforts” such as the short-lived West Indian Federation from 1958 to 1962.

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 “Today this university is able to boast that its graduates have made their mark throughout the Caribbean region as well as globally, in the public and private sectors, in church and state, in the arts, in industry, commerce and education, in medicine and nursing, science and technology, in social work and community development.”

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 “Today this university is able to boast that its graduates have made their mark throughout the Caribbean region as well as globally, in the public and private sectors, in church and state, in the arts, in industry, commerce and education, in medicine and nursing, science and technology, in social work and community development.”

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- Rt. Rev. Dr. Howard Gregory

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“If CARICOM is to succeed, we, Heads of Government, must believe in it, without reservation, without jealousy. We must believe in CARICOM, absolutely and with a generosity of spirit.” 

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“If CARICOM is to succeed, we, Heads of Government, must believe in it, without reservation, without jealousy. We must believe in CARICOM, absolutely and with a generosity of spirit.” 

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-Dr. Kenny Anthony

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“No noble thoughts brought us here to these islands but through it all we have risen.” - David Rudder

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“No noble thoughts brought us here to these islands but through it all we have risen.” - David Rudder

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These profound opening lyrics  describe the underlying commonality that bind Caribbean countries together, that is, their shared historical experiences.

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West Indies Cricket Anthem-Rally Round The West Indies