Progress made in the implementation of the CARICOM single market and economy

This paper examines the progress in the implementation of the CSME and what this has meant for the core (trade, investment, etc.); and functional aspects (foreign policy coordination, education, health and social development, etc.,); of integration. A tentative assessment is also made of the relevance of the current mode of integration in light of the opportunities and constraints of the international environment. The paper is divided into three sections. Section one provides a critical assessment of the implementation of the protocols and other aspects of the CSME. Section two evaluates the practical achievements of the integration process in terms of trade, investment and functional cooperation. The final section views the whole integration process through critical lenses to assess its relevance to the region at this juncture in its development and also in light of attempts to join other regional groupings such as the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA); and World Trade Organization (WTO); obligations.