Foreword

• Author: UWI-CARICOM Project
• Pages: 9-10

ix

Introduction

This study commenced in the latter part of 2005 and was completed in

December 2006. It has two main objectives that are related: first, to bring

together in a single place, material relevant to an understanding of the CSME

beyond the text of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas; and secondly, to seek

to expand on the information available to the regional public on the CSME,

particularly its perceived benefits. The study has benefited from views

expressed by academics, bureaucrats, former diplomats, the private and civil

sectors as well as political leaders. Inevitably, it mirrors deep fears and

scepticism in these sectors of society. But its real aim is to broaden

understanding so as to lay a basis for future assessment of the progress of

CSME.

In the face of claims that there is only a low level of popular understanding

of the CSME- as a phase in the integration process, Prime Minister Arthur,

noting that it dates back to a decision of the Heads of Government in 1989,

recently responded as follows:

“The continuous assertion by many that they were not aware of the

CSME is to my mind the most unfortunate recent evidence of our

willingness to carry ignorance as a badge of honour.”

Despite this understandable reaction, there is no alternative to addressing

the concern for a better understanding of the CSME.

This is even more important as the claim of ignorance may in fact be

partly a way of expressing the significant uncertainties being experienced

over how and at what pace to buy into the CSME and its key institutions.

FOREWORD