Caricom Single Market and Economy

Book excerpt: "The CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) has for years been touted as the most critical pillar in Caribbean regional integration. Yet, for years, the implementation of the CSME stalled due to the absence of a common view as to its feasibility, the speed of its implementation, the institutional capacity, programming for public education and ultimately, its benefits. In this work, a special edition of the Integrationist, and put together by the UWI-CARICOM project, the CSME is explained in all its dimensions. The contents cover the background to the establishment of the CSME and perspectives on its implementation. The main provisions and expected benefits of the Single Market are also presented along with the strategic framework and efforts at resource mobilisation to make the CSME a reality. The importance of the Caribbean Court of Justice to the effective functioning of the CSME is also outlined. The book concludes with a call to the member states for a unity in both understanding and action in the pursuit of integration, not as choice, but rather as necessity. The work is complemented by the inclusion of several appendices notably the original 1989 Grand Anse Declaration, the 2005 PetroCaribe Agreement as well as an indicative plan of action by priorities and an outline of major technical assistance resource gaps. "