Gonsalves says lack of leadership stifling integration movement

St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves says a lack of leadership is holding back integration within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).



In expressing his frustration with the pace of integration within the 15-member regional grouping, Dr Gonsalves says the problem lies with the political directorate.



CARICOM countries have been working towards a fully functional Single Market and Economy by the year 2015.



However, they have suffered several setbacks as they move towards that goal.



The St Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister has also pointed out that members of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) have positioned themselves ahead of their regional neighbour with the recent signing of The Revised Treaty of Basseterre Establishing the Economic Union.



The new OECS treaty provides for improved governance arrangements and deepened functional cooperation among member states.



Dr Gonsalves says this goes beyond the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).