All of us may not be up-to-date on the details of the CSME (Caribbean Single Market & Economy), but we all have a grasp of the concept: In this globalised business environment, Caribbean countries have a better chance of economic survival as a unified unit. From a global perspective, it has been demonstrated that there is strength in numbers, and as islands with limited resources, it is prudent for us to work together.

Regional integration is not in its embryonic stage. The concept has been in the pipelines for generations, repackaged under various brands, such as The West Indies Federation, CARIFTA, and CARICOM. However, many Caribbean islanders are still skeptical of the effect which regional integration and the CSME may have on the demographics of their island, and on the stability of their individual economies. And after years of public awareness campaigns, many people are not connecting with the ideal, and are still un-familiar with the objectives of the CSME.

The “human appeal” of the initiative seems to be lost in a shroud of mystery and legal documents. That same human appeal is intimate in one factor which has traditionally united Caribbean peoples – that of Caribbean culture. Even though culture is viewed as an important element of our societies, its importance as a tool for advancing our economies is often ignored, if not downplayed. Instead, culture and its related elements are often appreciated only for their historical and entertainment value. This may be due to the fact that while it is easy to measure the value of goods and services crossing our shores and their value to our economy, the value of culture is not easily measured in dollars and cents.

Cultural connections
Millions of Caribbean people identify with their island neighbours through cultural experiences. Some might argue that Caribbean people are more likely able to recite six regional musical or cultural events than list the names of six regional heads of state. Whether this is an accurate assessment is debatable, but the thought is sobering. As a region, we share more than the clichéd sun, sand and sea. Each year, millions of us island-hop in pursuit of jazz festivals, carnivals, island tours and a unique cultural experience. Reggae, soca, calypso, dub and other indigenous regional sounds have been anthems for our islands. These, combined with our theatrical productions, literature and growing film industry, reinforce our similarities, positively display our differences, and create a “Caribbean image” for the world to identify with. 

The importance of exchange rates, balance of payments, and the geopolitical stances of governments seem to be pulling a distant second to cultural matters in the minds of many young people. As one observer noted: ‘no matter how much we argue over who de flying fish belong to, we still going there for Carnival, and dem still coming here for Crop Over.’

Urgency and skepticism
For decades, a “CSME of sorts” has existed through culture. Simultaneously, a number of Caribbean firms have been doing business regionally and internationally, and will continue to do so with or without the official “flag” of CSME. With the full onset of non-Caribbean multi-national corporations eyeing the region for expansionary purposes, now more than ever, there is a sense of urgency for Caribbean economies to be strengthened. Even so, skepticism of the concept of a single market is widespread. Considering that a significant amount of mistrust still exists between various Caribbean islands, such skepticism is useful, encouraging much-needed debate on the topic, and identifying concerns which need to be addressed in the minds of many Caribbean people.

Many young persons are interested in the free movement of labour, but wonder about the challenges of finding employment in other islands, even after having gone through the necessary protocol. Many may not necessarily believe that having a stamp in his/her passport will make it any easier to work throughout the region. After all, gaining legal rights to work in a country is one thing; becoming “accepted” in a foreign society is another. There are social, political, xenophobic and racial prejudices seemingly more reserved for our fellow Caribbean neighbours, than for international residents traveling to our shores.

Resistance to Caribbean non-nationals entering Barbados has been a topic of national debate, and as more people, including Barbadians, travel the islands in search of opportunities, similar reactions throughout the region can reasonably be expected. Unless addressed, issues such as these will hinder the move towards regional integration and by extension economic unity.

Leveraging Culture
To effectively be a catalyst for CSME, governmental and private sector agencies must fully utilize culture in an increasingly prominent role. Regional trade shows, conferences, educational exchange programmes, musical collaborations and other such exchanges should be facilitated and promoted. Such initiatives will help to build tolerance, appreciation for our differences and dispel some of the false notions we have adopted about other islands. On an individual level, an effort should be made to should make to reduce the conceptual distance  between our neighbours and ourselves by visiting other islands and understanding their cultures.

Leveraging the impact of sharing our culture is a major factor in helping the region address issues currently stifling its financial and social progress. While regional economic growth should continue to be a major goal of the CSME, the importance of cultural factors in laying the foundation to achieve these goals should not be forgotten.

by Kelly Johnally