After years of procedural deception, mendacity and indifference officials of the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM), appear ready to propitiate supporters of regional integration. The recent admission of Haiti to this organization may engender broader representation by attracting more countries from within the established geographical boundaries.

In all likelihood the Republic of Haiti has satisfied all terms and conditions required by the Conference Heads of Government for membership to the Caribbean Community, except the deposit with the secretary-general of an appropriate instrument of accession.

When that formality is completed, Haiti will then be accorded full membership of CARICOM.

On July 4, 1995 Haiti gained provisional membership status following the restoration of democracy and a return to civilian government under Jean-Bertrand Aristide a charismatic priest. That same day Suriname acceded to membership and until recently was the only non-English speaking country granted that privilege.

The former French colony despite its proximity and rich history has always appeared inaccessible to and detached from many English speaking nations. Perhaps in part that was directly related to the United States policies towards Haiti and its imperialist struggle with France. It is necessary to emphasize that Haiti became a virtual U.S. protectorate after troops landed on July 28, 1915 and did not pull out until august 6, 1934.

Many other determinants could have reinforced the necessity to remain isolated and affirmed the need for a parochial approach to regional affairs. Some key contributing factors may also include language and culture. The two official languages in Haiti distinct from other Caribbean Nation-States are French and Haitian Creole.

While the embrace of Haiti is a significant step towards regional integration, Cuba continues to be an enigma. In recent years some leaders have been rather out-spoken and chide the organization over its persistent disallowance of membership to the most populous Caribbean country. The prevailing wisdom is when not if Cuba becomes a member of CARICOM; the regional trading block will enhance its potentiality to complete in the rapidly emerging global village (globalization).

It is difficult to comprehend the rationale for Cuba’s rejection even though it is an integral part of the region and has a capacity to render vital assistance in areas of health, education, sports and industries such as sugar and tobacco processing. There is no plausible justification for alienating this nation now that Cold War tensions in the hemisphere have dissipated if not eliminated.

This latest development of political transmutation seems to indicate that directives previously imposed on CARICOM by external agents have been re-evaluated and replaced by a more rational strategy (constructive engagement/ engaged diplomacy). However, serious attention must be given to the redefined U.S. trade policy towards the region in general and some Caribbean countries in particular. Indeed, the overtures in recent years were carefully contrived to generate significant benefit for America as a consequence of reciprocal and or inter Caribbean trade.

Was it a coincidence that within the last 5 years there were at least two major conferences extolling the virtues of U.S. trade with nations from that region and even touting an expansion of the successful North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA)? while our Latin American neighbors have witnessed the gradual declivity of their once lucrative trading blocks – MERCOSUR and LAFTA. Both organizations had essentially shifted the flow of trade to United States and generating increased commerce among Spanish speaking countries.

In reflection one must be reminded of Haiti’s historical past, its prolonged political quagmire and social degradation. A proud people that fought for and attained Independence back in 1804, during a rebellion led by former slave Toussaint Louverture. Unfortunately, the struggle for economic liberation has produced nothing but misery and despair for about 7 million people, a large per cent of which continue to live under squalid conditions.

In 1995 there was a literacy rate of 45 per cent. Life expectancy at birth in 1997: 47.5 male; 51.6 female. Infant mortality rate (per 1,000 live births 1997): 102. Physicians providing health services 1 per 10,041 persons, (1994: 1 per 9,846 persons). Deaths (per 1,000 population): 15. These figures compared to many English speaking Caribbean countries show a tremendous disparity and a definite need for concern at every governmental level.

It is difficult to contemplate that there was a surreptitious scheme designed to inflict such heavy toll of our own kinfolk for a few silver dollars (gold bullion) or in their naivete-perpetuate the role of Faithful Western Allies. There is still adequate time for some pragmatic leaders asseverate their intentions to correct past misdeeds and encircle Haitians. By doing so they can empower future generations and provide then the opportunity to enjoy a better quality of life.

When one compares Haiti per capita GDP: $1,000 the lowest in the region to Barbados living conditions in that country. The anticipated trade with CARICOM countries will serve to stimulate the Haitian economy and increase gross domestic product (1996 estimate): $6.8 billion.

It is ironic that trade with America has sustained the Haitian economy despite having an uneasy relationship for many years. One can only hope that the current administration takes appropriate precautions to limit foreign intervention in the economy while trying to decipher every possible safeguard to protect its democracy. Any new trade with CARICOM nations will certainly improve the tattered Haitian economy.

The primary industries operating in the country comprise sugar refining and textiles, among the chief crops are coffee, sugar, bananas, mangoes, corn and rice. Imports in 1996 were $666 million; United States was responsible for 65% of the business activity. Again, exports (1996) were $123 million and the U.S. accounted for 74% of the trade.

Perhaps it is imperative to be reminded that CARICOM has replaced the Caribbean Free Trade association (CARIFTA), an idea of the late President Forbes Burnham of Guyana. Since its inauguration on August 1, 1973 there have been a number of changes including the establishment of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, the effectiveness of the decision making, and the implementation process of the Caribbean Community.

The current structure is as follows:

In July 1991, the British Virgin Islands and the Turks and Caicos Islands were granted Associate Membership. Among the 14 member countries are: Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Trinidad and Tobago.

While the future of CARICOM appears promising, our leaders must be ever mindful of the United States and its quest to re-establish dominance within its planned framework of controlling trade within the Caribbean region and the Western Hemisphere as a whole. They should be cognizant of the disappointing economic performance in much of Sub-Saharan Africa basically because those countries failed to integrate into the world economy.

Many of those under-developed African nations were pre-occupied defending against military aggression and were unable to trade successfully which precluded attracting any consequential foreign investment. The vital resources were often utilized for raging war "Arms procurement for the most part financed by western democracy", and no apparent consideration was given to satisfy the basic needs of citizens.