CARICOM Our Caribbean Community-An Introduction

This introductory text provides a comprehensive source of information on the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and its people. It locates the region and people of CARICOM within the wider hemispheric and global community, and traces key developments that led to the establishment of CARIFTA, later CARICOM and beyond that, the significant initiatives being taken to strengthen the Community, most notably the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). Equally important, the book describes in detail, the history and the structure and functioning of our Community. It also highlights the many issues and initiatives on which the Community has focused over time as well as the major subjects on its current agenda, explaining their actual and potential impact on our people. It also points to future challenges. Our Caribbean Community, the effort of the staff of the CARICOM Secretariat, is the result of exhaustive research and analysis, with great attention to and concern for clarity and accuracy. It is copiously illustrated; understanding of the text is aided by numerous maps, charts, graphs and tables, as well as by the use of colour to highlight key words and concepts. One of its most outstanding features is the extensive appendix section which includes profiles of CARICOM member states and associate states and abstracts of key documents in the Community's evolution. Though intended principally for persons in the 14-24 age group, a wide general readership will also appreciate the simple and clear style of the presentation of this important book.