Since the close of the last century, intense efforts have been carried out within the Association of Caribbean States toward the formulation of its own agenda, aimed at strengthening a community capable of responding jointly to the issues encountered. In general, attention has been focussed on “sustained development in cultural, economic, social, scientific and technological areas”, materialised into more specific goals such as intra-Caribbean trade; sustainable tourism; transport in all its forms and natural disasters.

One intangible asset that has served to promote efforts toward closer relations and unity in the Caribbean has been the environment of mutual respect that guides relations among States, which is therefore a valuable factor for maintaining peace within the region. Thus, one of the most significant general goals must be the preservation of the environment of peace in which we live, since without peace, there will be no integration.

However, there is a cost that comes with maintaining peace and the first is to fight against a tradition of violence inherited since the colonial period, whose supporting bases were rooted in domination and disregard for the human, social and political rights of the working majorities.

Our political cultures were impregnated with an authoritarianism that accepted force as the sole means of ensuring political stability and addressing social problems. The norm in those days rejected dialogue and social participation.

The conflicts of the twentieth century contributed enormously to the environment of confrontation, through world, regional and local wars, and also through the practices of the Cold War. The logic prevailing during that period created a system of relations based on arms and intimidation. During those hundred years, the productive efforts of the very individuals who died in the wars were all in vain, with some succumbing to bullets, others to hunger and many others to the health problems brought about by those same wars.

The concept of security was based exclusively on security for States and not citizens. States monopolised rights and the means of protecting citizens, under a severely controlled system of security and order.

UNESCO and the United Nations, having undertaken important actions for the benefit of peace, provide us with this definition of a culture of peace:

“… a culture of peace, which consists of values, attitudes and behaviours that reflect and inspire social interaction and sharing based on the principles of freedom, justice and democracy, all human rights, tolerance and solidarity, that reject violence and endeavour to prevent conflicts by tackling their root causes to solve problems through dialogue and negotiation and that guarantee the full exercise of all rights and the means to participate fully in the development process of their society”.

The objectives of Caribbean integration cannot lose sight of the interest of preserving peace. We are obligated to fight against the obstacles of the past, look toward the future and learn about the culture of peace, which is the only way to guarantee the possibility of sharing together, a future of progress.

Dr. Rubén Silié Valdez is the 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

09 February, 2005