The Caribbean Community and Common Market (Global Organizations)

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM), initially called the Caribbean Community and Common Market, was established as a result of a 15-year effort by the West Indies Federation (WIF) to fulfill the hope of regional integration. Although WIF dissolved after only four years (1958-1962), it is regarded as the real beginning of CARICOM. Today CARICOM has 15 full members, 5 associate members, and 7 observers. The organization aims to promote economic integration and cooperation among its members, help the less-developed countries within its jurisdiction, handle regional disputes, and implement an operational single market and economy. CARICOM hopes to achieve a single currency for all its members and strengthen its trading links with global partners in order to keep up with globalization challenges. Still, regional leaders have faced harsh criticism for its failure to pass the Single CARICOM Act, which would ensure that decisions agreed on regionally are automatically enforced nationally. Contents......Page 6 1: Where Is the Caribbean?......Page 7 2: History of CARICOM......Page 23 3: How CARICOM Works......Page 37 4: CARICOM Economies......Page 45 5: CARICOM Politics......Page 65 6: CARICOM and the Environment......Page 77 7: Health in the Caribbean......Page 91 8: The Future of CARICOM......Page 105 Chronology......Page 111 Notes......Page 113 Bibliography......Page 121 Further Reading......Page 123 Picture Credits......Page 124 Index......Page 125 About the Contributors......Page 129 Coverage includes: - The relationship of the organization to nation-state sovereignty- Its power in organizational decision-making- The organization's role in building peace and stability, and fighting corruption- The relationship of economic development to the environment- The conflict of conformity vs. regional distinctiveness when free trade is introduced- The achievements and criticisms of the organization What is the Caribbean? History of CARICOM How does CARICOM work? CARICOM economies CARICOM politics CARICOM and the environment Health in the Caribbean The future of CARICOM. Explores the history and mission of the Caribbean Community, discusses how the organization works, and explores it's views on politics, economies, and the environment Introduces the Caribbean Community, including its history and purpose, organizational structure, and political, economic, and environmental goals.