2016 Volume 2016 Issue 26 Pages 63-97
This study explores the rationale behind the hurdles preventing the full establishment of the Caribbean Community Single Market and Economy. Very little scholarly research has been carried out on this topic, although some academics have pointed out the obstacles. This paper therefore seeks to understand what the real shortfalls are in the integrated entity, in order to overcome the deficiencies. Specifically, the study seeks to understand what constitutes the foundations of the lack of political will to overcome the issues of natural, financial and human resource insufficiency. This research utilises a symbolic interactionist framework, deploying qualitative interviews with forty-four CARICOM stakeholders, including senior government officials and businesspersons, and uses discourse analyses to analyse their narratives. The research findings suggest that the political will to counter the deficiencies is compromised by the national interests of each member state, which are affected by internal politics. However, what is hopeful is that the importance of the CSME is supported by member states. In this regard, what the CARICOM needs, is a fundamental reformation of CARICOM and the CSME governance, in order to provide technical support to the member states in timely manner. In the era of globalisation, the importance of the CSME is heightened, primarily for the survival of the member states.
