We recognise that in order to face the problems of our countries it is necessary to embrace a regional approach, considering that most of those problems emanate from, or are intrinsically linked to, the regional reality. Moreover, it is not only because the problems are similar but that they are exist in a regional context per se.

It has been a feature of this new century for Heads of State and Government of this region to repeatedly express, irrespective of the context in which they find themselves, the need for unity and peace in the Latin American and Caribbean region, while reaffirming their commitment to defend the principles of integration and open dialogue. In spite of some differences that have emerged, a number of initiatives stand out which promote the ideal of integration, thereby providing an unprecedented political context for forging closer linkages among our peoples.

The starting point for integration has been the creation of a broad, economic space which strengthens the national economies by providing a market with greater capacities and purchasing power; this also facilitates intra-regional investment which is needed to support the expansion of the economic infrastructure and provide for the creation of employment.

The basis of this proposal lies in the promotion of cultural identity, geographic proximity, the protection of natural resources, and something as important as an understanding that the democratic system is critical to improving the quality of life of our citizens.

But where the need for integration is most evident is in the sphere of international co-operation, as it is already clear that issues of development call for that resource and in order to attain it, international co-operation organisations must collaborate with bodies which bring together a larger number of countries. This promotes dialogue with stronger entities which have a greater capacity to respond to and to have an impact on the region that is being represented.

The Association of Caribbean States is the instrument par excellence to drive the ideas of integration, as it brings together the largest number of countries of any other associative system. It brings together four blocs of countries all of which understand the need to join forces in the name of co-operation and that is what makes it a unique space with very particular characteristics.

Although it is clear that for these very reasons there is high level of diversity, we do not believe that this is an obstacle that should deter us. The linguistic, cultural and political differences are not comparable with those that exist in Europe. The same applies to the political differences which are also not comparable if we remember that there were two Wold Wars in Europe. This shows us that the challenge of diversity is not insurmountable. The mere fact that we have come together in this Association is a signal that we have begun to overcome the challenge.

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

31 January, 2008