Civil society, participation, and regional integration : rhetoric and reality in the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

Abstract

This thesis examines why the numerous declarations by CARICOM Heads of Government (HoGs) in support of civil society organization (CSO) participation in the regional integration process have not resulted in any tangible, real involvement of CSOs in the institutions and mechanisms of CARICOM. To answer this “why” question, this thesis posits that above and beyond the obvious challenges of providing the necessary framework and capacity building for CSO participation in the CARICOM integration process, the current lack of real and substantive inclusion is rooted in the structure of a representative democratic framework with limited consideration for the principles of a participatory model of democracy. The findings support the concluding position that while the stated commitment (rhetoric) of HoGs to CSO participation is clear, the tangible manifestations (reality) of those statements are lacking, including a framework for participation and capacity building mechanisms for CSOs. This is in keeping with the representative model of democracy, which is characterized by engagement limited to the protective function, and that, subjected to functional and instrumental usage, when amicable and none-threatening of economic and political status quo. This limited engagement precludes the region’s integration project from the educative, integrative, and developmental benefits accessible through civil society participation.