CARICOM needs an executive agency

Andrew King, Contributor

CARICOM operates solely within the competencies conferred on it based on the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. In order for CARICOM to begin to operate effectively, efficiently and for the purpose conceived in 1973, we must borrow a few pages, if not the entire book, from the European Union (EU) to understand the complexities of the concept of Caribbean integration.

CARICOM will not work unless there is a central organisation that deals exclusively with CARICOM policies. This fundamentally important agency should be charged with ensuring that laws made by CARICOM institutions, as is done in the EU, are passed in a variety of forms. Generally speaking, these laws can be classified into two groups: those which come into force without the necessity for national imple-mentation measures, and those which specifically require national implementation measures, such as free movement, living and working in member states.

Indeed, it will mean that CARICOM members will need to give up some of their sovereignty and authority to the executive council of CARICOM. As The Gleaner correctly pointed out in its editorial dated Wednesday, June 8, "There are weaknesses in CARICOM's governance structure that contribute significantly to what Grenadian prime minister, Mr Tillman Thomas, refers to as the Community's implementation deficit."

Once this is acknowledged by CARICOM leaders, the establish-ment of institutions such as the CARICOM Parliament, that will critically examine, scrutinise and amend policy and legislation for member states, would be a crucial development. This, no doubt, is where the Caribbean Court of Justice comes in as not only the final appellate court for members but to deal with the interpretation and the application of CARICOM laws.

Accountable

The CARICOM Parliament will pass legislation, debate and act as a guide to promote regional integration among member states. The secretariat should be accountable to the Parliament, requiring its approval to take office, having to report to it, and subject to motions of censure from it. Of course, CARICOM parliamen-tarians will be accountable to their respective heads of government. Within the CARICOM Parliament should be the 'Council of Ministers'. This will consist of ministers from each member state who will exercise executive functions in relation to the following issues: foreign, security, climate change, defence, legal system, fundamental rights, energy, education, science, agriculture, and free moment.

I submit that this is easier said than done, but we can all agree that CARICOM is losing momentum. There is lingering scepticism about the concept of free movement and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. Economic integration in the region will no doubt be extremely difficult, especially at a time when each member state is facing its own unique challenges. However, the EU, despite all its challenges, is an excellent example of the power of economic and political partnership. I see no reason why 15 small nations cannot do the same.

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