Caribbean Integration – Lessons for the Pacific?

Abstract

The 15 members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) are digesting a critical review of the structure and performance of its Secretariat, which describes the overall CARICOM integration initiative as being in crisis. This paper describes elements of the CARICOM integration project, and draws lessons for the Pacific Island Countries. It suggests that the CARICOM experience puts into question elements of the logic and overall approach to integration being pursued in both regions (and being urged by external partners).

Keywords: Caribbean, Pacific, CARICOM, Regional integration

JEL Classification: F02, N16, N17, O54, O56