Studies and sources of the impact of FTAs in other regions. Compiled from suggestions from supporters of the ‘Statement of Concerned Caribbean Citizens’ (unedited)…

Download ‘Bibliographic resources’

How can the South develop “a cosmology and a theory of society and economy that is rooted in the peculiar experience and aesthetic” of the particular region, or individual countries concerned? How can we, peoples of the South, decolonize our minds so that we would easily perceive the utter absurdity of dreaming about a white Christmas or of recalling artificial memories of sleigh bells jingling in the snow? How can we, Caribbeans and other peoples in the South, re-establish an authentic identity to replace the one that was forged on the anvil of the colonial experience?…

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All models of development are essentially cultural. They are invariably inspired by a worldview which reflects a people’s hopes and aspirations, determines their life goals, moulds their notion of what constitutes the good life and the type of society they construct to achieve it, shapes the institutions they create to sustain that society and influences their choice of solutions for the problems that confront it…

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Dominica’s announced decision to sign on to ALBA—the Bolivarian Alternative for the Americas—has been the subject of some media comment because of its supposed undermining of Caricom. However, this is by no means the first time that a Caricom member state has acted in a way that might be at variance with its regional commitments and responsibilities….

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ALBA seen as avenue to economic aid for small Caricom states -Prof Vaughan Lewis, (Stabroek News, Sunday February 3, 2008)

The ALBA advances, by Eduardo Dimas (progreso weekly, January 31 - February 5, 2008)

CARICOM and ALBA (Stabroek News Editorial, February 17, 2008)

There is no basis for concluding a priori that Dominica’s action of ALBA is inconsistent with its membership of CARICOM (Norman Girvan, Stabroek News, February 19, 2008)

Is ALBA more than a storm in a teacup? (Peter Richards, 4/03/08)

The Cariforum-EU Economic Partnership Agreement has stimulated a very spirited, if belated, debate in the Caribbean on its merits, demerits, and the possible consequences for the region. We have learnt much about the technical aspects of the EPA, and what is at stake for the Caribbean..some writers have drawn attention to some of the broader aspects of the issue which might facilitate a better understanding of the attitudes, expectations, and actions of both sets of negotiators…

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EPA: yes or no? and if yes, then how? That is not the main issue. Obviously, even decency would require all stuff to be published previously and have it properly discussed. But even then the fundamental question might go untouched. The real issue is a previous one. Is Europe primarily concerned about our present problems and lack of future options, or is its driving force, when stripped from all cosmetics, its own strategic and economic interests?…

Read EPA: Development or Envelopment?

Read Joyce’s Comment

Read Kathy’s Comment

Read Don’s Comment

From Stabroek News, Guyana, January 21, 2008

In the last week, a diverse group that included civil society organizations, trade unions, artists and academics, endorsed a statement expressing concern over the Economic Partnership Agreement that Cariforum (CARICOM member states and the Dominican Republic) initialed with the European Community in December….

 ’Responding to the EPA’

Between 1990 and 1992, the West Indian Commission held public consultations across the Caribbean and its diasporas. I remember attending one of the open meetings in Barbados, seeing women and men lined up at the microphones awaiting their turn to be heard…

‘Time For Action’, Stabroek News, January 28, 2008