It was in 1981, 28 years ago, the leaders of the Eastern Caribbean grouping signed a very visionary document called the Treaty of Basseterre paving the way for what we now view as a critical act for the social and economic advancement of the people of the member states. Article 3 (1) (f) of the Treaty provides a summary view of the reasons for the successes of the OECS arrangements that have stood the test of time:
"to pursue the said purposes through its respective institutions by discussion of questions of common concern and by agreement and common action."
Today under the revised treaty, the forum for continued discussion, agreement and action continues within the framework set out in Article 4, which states that the overall objective lies in the
"establishment of an ECONOMIC UNION of the OECS as a single financial and economic space' while identifying the OECS as
"an institutional forum to discuss and facilitate constitutional , political, and economical changes which would be necessary for the successful participation of member states [....]"
Economic Union is all about regional integration in a rapidly shifting global environment where the social, political and economical realities have taxed the resourcefulness of both government and civil society in their quest to optimize opportunities and respond to the needs of their constituents.
One very poignant point of view lies in the overall impact of technological development on the resourcefulness of governments and the need for integration. It is an emerging belief that the move to use more and better technology to improve the quality of life impinges on the ability of governments to provide for traditional basic needs for their respective populations, a crucial dilemma.
As we decide on the use of specific methods defined by an integrated approach such as an economic union, we must be watchful for a sound balance between rapid and effective response to the urgency of current needs, and the use of modern technology and innovations to transform the economic landscape in the quest to bring about lasting development without compromising those who remain inaccessible, the poor.
What do you think? Is the objective of establishing one economic space consistent with our current needs? What recommendations would you give in the approaches used and the level of or mean of enhancing public participation in the process. Is modernization taking up too much resources thereby impoverishing the targets of integration: the People! Who should lead the process; will you get involved.
We invite you to Join This Online Forum and discuss the implications, approaches, time-lines and any other aspects of the OECS Economic Union. You have a chance to share your views and influence the overall quality of the discussion and of course to be able to have you voice heard by those who are directly responsible for designing, implementing and managing the move towards one economic space in the OECS.
Hope you enjoy and have fun as you debate, discuss, question, comment or just share your views on the ECONOMIC UNION.
Welcome.
Blog Coordinator
No comments:
Post a Comment