Caribbean integration describes the process of islands in the Caribbean coming together to work on common issues. Integration of the region is important to help the smaller countries have a better experience interacting with bigger actors on the international stage. This essay shall discuss examine how Caribbean integration affects growth in the region.
Caribbean countries do experience some positive benefits when they practice regional integration. CARICOM, or the Caribbean Community is one example of a regional body charged with facilitating collaborative efforts in the territory. CARICOM creates Caribbean wide policy that benefits all member states. One recent example of the Caribbean coming together and acting on its best interest is its reaction to the recent import tariffs imposed by the US’ President Donald Trump. CARICOM’s President announced a need for a territory wide strategy to combat this economic power play by this global heavyweight. In the coming weeks and months, one can expect to see CARICOM publish guidelines that Caribbean countries can adhere to, to ensure that they fare well economically on the international front. Here is where regional integration helps out many Caribbean islands, big and small, where decisions are made to the benefit of all.
Caribbean countries do experience some negative effects of regional integration. Some sweeping policies to disadvantage some countries to the benefit of others. One example is when richer countries like Trinidad and Tobago may have to pay more in dues to support smaller, poorer countries like Haiti. While in the grand scheme of things all countries will benefit from regional integration efforts, in this instance, you see Trinidad and Tobago feeling the economic burden to ensure that all countries do well in CARICOM. A richer country may not feel inclined to participate in a regional integration effort if they feel economically disadvantaged.
Regional integration of Caribbean islands is important to the territory. There are benefits when many small islands come together to negotiate on everyone’s behalf. They can make decisions that help them fare well on the international market. There are also negative sides to Caribbean integration, like some member states being financially disadvantaged so that other poorer states can benefit from being covered by richer countries. Some wealthy countries may decline to participate in regional integration efforts if they feel like they contribute too much and receive too little. With continued cooperation, the Caribbean can use regional integration to have a bright future.
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