"Stalled progress" : regional integration in the Caribbean

Abstract

Regional Integration as a means of development is a topic that is being explored today. Many countries, of which the Caribbean is no exception, have attempted to utilise this route to serve their economic developmental ends with varying degrees of success. The purpose of this paper is to take a closer look at the Regional Integration experience of the Caribbean, primarily CARICOM and if it has been successful, as well as looking at possible explanations for the Caribbean’s success or failure in this regard. The paper will argue that CARICOM has not been successful, due to a combination of factors from both within the region and external to the region. The point will also be made however, that measuring the success of CARICOM solely in terms of economic development is short sighted and presents a limited view.