In the best interest of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) there is increased support to form a single economic union that will offset the decline in tourism.
The Jamaican Gleaner reports, “The Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community in a recent emergency meeting in the Bahamas approved a US $18 million joint public/private sector emergency tourism promotion program. The Emergency Regional Promotion program is specially designed to revive the interest of consumers to vacation in the Caribbean and envisages short and long-term strategies geared to the re-launch of the Caribbean presence in the main marketplaces of North America and United Kingdom/Europe.”
In the Washington Report on the Hemisphere, Odettia, Francis outlined Barbadian plans with the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS). “Barbadian Prime Minister Owen Arthur, who initially proposed the alliance, along with other island representatives, believes that the new association will be realized this time around because all of the parties are willing to “give their best shot.” The eight-island entity will consist of Antigua, Barbados, Dominica, Grenada, Montserrat, St Kitts, St Lucia and St Vincent.” Francis went on to say, “The creation of the alliance would have the participating islands merging many of their services, like the judiciary, civil aviation, maritime affairs, telecommunications, diplomatic representation, joint economic planning, management of exclusive economic zones, education, health, the environment and disaster readiness. However, they will not immediately seek mone tary union.”
While the promise of economic prosperity should be motivation enough to guarantee a venture of this magnitude, this is certainly not the first time it has been attempt
By Danielle M. George
