The ACS is a body functioning within a context that has been imposed on it, since globalisation is not something that we can control; it is a social and historic process that follows its course toward the internationalisation of economies, without taking into account the asymmetries that exist among countries. This reality compels us to become involved in said process, supported by an instrument like the ACS, which facilitates the broadening of our relations and strengthens the competitiveness of Caribbean economies.

ACS Secretary General Dr Rubén Silié addresses the 23rd Meeting of the Executive Board of the Ministerial Council at the Secretariat's headquarters in Port of Spain last Friday.

The ACS serves as a regional space in which a series of procedures and practices could be truly developed toward the horizontal coordination of work and without any hierarchy among countries. This has been possible due to efforts to create an atmosphere of mutual trust; which has been simple for a group of States which, in order to communicate with one another, have chosen co-operation over conflict.

One of the great advantages of our Association is that since it is based on the principle of reciprocity, it has enhanced the quality of relations among States; has presented the opportunity to formulate shared assessments; in addition to which it has developed a vision of the future with respect to issues that are relevant to the Greater Caribbean.

Ten years after its inception, this Association has successfully established itself as a recognised and respected multilateral organisation, given the interest expressed and support received from governments since the commencement of its activities. Governmental representatives have been interested in following up the tasks jointly approved during work meetings over the last few years. Three summits of Heads of State and Government and twenty two ministerial meetings, in addition to agreements on trade, transport, tourism, the environment and natural disasters, are an indication of the intense work developed by the tenth anniversary of the ACS, which is an ideal opportunity to promote stimulating ideas that would contribute to the re-launching of this Caribbean conglomerate, always based on the founding ideas, increasing countries' commitment, raising the political relevance and weight of planned activities, the dynamism of the work groups and ensuring a greater public impact in member countries.

Dr Rubén Silié is Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States. The views expressed are not necessarily the official views of the ACS. Feedback can be sent to mail@acs-aec.org

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April 7, 2004