Sara Chookolingo

Regional Integration: The Way Forward

Regional integration may be defined as the unity or co-operation among member states of a
particular area or geographical location. In this essay, I will attempt to examine regional
integration in the Caribbean. More specifically, the essay will explore factors that promote and
hinder Caribbean integration, state reasons why the Caribbean states should support integration
and further suggest strategies that may strengthen integration in the Caribbean region.

There are many types of integration that a region may pursue, but our focus in the Caribbean has
been mainly political and economic. One factor that promotes Caribbean integration is our
similar historical past where we all experienced some form of colonisation and slavery. This
impacted on our economies and cultures, for example, thus resulting in our dependence on a
mono-crop, similar ethnic composition and practices such as Carnival and festivals that are
currently celebrated throughout the region. Another factor which promotes regional integration is
the common language that pervades the region, that is, the English Language. This makes it
easier for us to understand each other thus encouraging regional integration. The major factor
that hinders or impedes integration in the region is the geographical implication whereby we are
separate island states surrounded by water making transportation more costly.

However, there are many reasons why the Caribbean should support integration. Firstly, there is
a saying that united we stand, divided we fall. Because of our small size, it is critical that we
stand united against international bodies so that our combined voices are heard. If another
country wants to wage war or take advantage of our economic policies in order to attain our
precious resources below market price, we can voice our concerns in solidarity, as one Caribbean
entity. Hence the reason for the Caribbean Community, also known as CARICOM. Another
reason to support integration is so that in times of epidemics or disasters, or if we are in need of
resources or assistance, we would have allies. For example, recently, the Caribbean Heads of
Government (CHOGM) met in Trinidad and Tobago to discuss the looming threats of
Chikungunya and Ebola facing the region. They decided to pool their human and financial
resources to combat the epidemics. Even in times of natural disasters, like earthquakes or
 Sara Chookolingo

hurricanes that frequently affect the region, the region can assist those territories that were badly
affected through the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA).

Based on the previous arguments, it is apparent that Caribbean Integration is important, if not
critical to the regions survival. Therefore, two strategies that can be used to strengthen regional
integration include enforcing the policy of free movement of labour between Caribbean countries
and establishing a common currency for the Caribbean. The former strategy can encourage the
common man to appreciate the importance of integration while simultaneously making the
concept a reality to him as he travels from country to country with ease to work and contribute to
Caribbean economies which would be beneficial to all involved. A common currency would
make trade easier since businessmen wont have to be concerned about fluctuating exchange
rates. It also promotes solidarity in the economic sphere as it did in the European Union where
all member states use the Euro dollar.

It is clear that regional integration is mandatory for the members of the Caribbean because of our
small size and other aforementioned commonalities. Although we do face hindrances such as our
geographical make-up, many strategies can be implemented that would promote integration
including the reinforcement of policies on free movement of labour and establishment of a
common currency.