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May 2011
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By Professor Clement Sankat
The need for integration then (50 years ago) is certainly not the need for integration now. The factors driving the need for integration in the region have changed significantly. While the predominant motivating factor for integration then was the goal of attaining self-government or formal independence, the motivating factor for integration now, not only is the realization by states that further cooperation can potentially enhance the region’s capacity to attain development, but also the realization that the region can better respond to the challenges and opportunities presented by globalization in the 21st century. Integration of our economies is therefore now seen as an opportunity to overcome the harsh realities and challenges of smallness and vulnerability. One must also note that regionalism in the 21st century is remarkably different from that which existed in the 20th century. Traditionally, countries dealt with specific narrow cross-border objectives, primarily people, security and trade oriented issues. However, regionalism in the 21st century has to be considered as a more comprehensive and multidimensional process. The concept of regionalism today must encompass other important facets such as ecological, environmental and natural resource management, cultural, gender, energy and societal elements like education, in addition to the traditional political, economic and security dimensions. Also to consider, while the process of the past particularly focused on the relations between governments, the requirement of today is much more encompassing and brings into play a host of non-state actors (including but not limited to non-governmental organizations, non-profit organizations, civil communities and other institutions, etc.) which operate at various levels of the global system. In short, regionalism of today goes far beyond the goal of creating region-based free trade regimes like CARIFTA or CARICOM. Instead, the political ambition of establishing regional solidarity, coherence, mobility and identity, especially as small states, seems to be of primary importance in a rapidly changing world order but this regionality must also be built upon respect and trust, recognizing the diversity of the Caribbean people. While The University of the West Indies may not be the only regional entity which has stood the test of time (there are others such as the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) and the West Indies cricket team), I would argue that The UWI is the most visible and solid sign of “West Indian-ness” in the world and unmistakably a major driver of Caribbean development, shaping Caribbean identity. No other institution in the region can boast of producing thousands of graduates who are now respected leaders in a range of disciplines across the Caribbean – prime ministers and members of parliament, leaders in a wide range of disciplines, academics and scholars, etc. We are indeed the pre-eminent institution which serves diverse communities across all territories of the entire Caribbean region, whether through our three physical Campuses or through our Open Campus. Further, while some regional institutions may be considered to have a temporal nature in forging Caribbean identity, such as the West Indies cricket team – and in recent years even this may be questioned – The University of the West Indies is an institution that has forged Caribbean unity and identity for 63 years, day in, day out and will continue to do so in the future with the continued support of the Caribbean people. That we have done this should be a matter of pride for all West Indians. My ideal regional UWI is an institution that is able to adequately respond to the contemporary challenges of the region; impacting on our individual Caribbean States with one standard, one quality and in the broader context of West Indian development; an institution that is globally acknowledged and recognized as a key engine of Caribbean development in all spheres of society; an institution which is able to demonstrate knowledge and excellence in all things Caribbean – our rich history, heritage, culture and diverse people – and promote it to the world. An institution, where both our students and faculty are engaged in creative thinking, problem solving and research so as to develop sustainable regional responses to the peculiar needs of our Caribbean countries – the challenges of sustainable development, sea level rise and the environment, disaster-preparedness, wealth creation, crime, male under-achievement, alternative energy development, food security and an efficient transport network are just some of the main areas that loom high on the Caribbean agenda. Therefore our premier regional institution, The UWI, must be able to respond constantly to the changing dynamic environment with the main intention to contribute to a better way of life for Caribbean people. While we all have national aspirations, it is important to remember that Caribbean States were forged by a common history of colonization and we are all surrounded by the common waves that lap our shores. We may be separate nation states but we are inextricably linked. It still goes without saying that The University of the West Indies, undoubtedly to my mind, must remain a regional entity. It is by our very distinct regional character that we are defined by the world. But we may wish to expand the concept of The UWI with respect to higher education – possibly into a new federal structure. This can combine both national and regional aspirations. I must also say that The University of the West Indies is an enduring and proud symbol of Caribbean identity and unity. And in this context, for our institution to continue to advance the greater goal of regional solidarity, common understanding and Caribbean integration, we must remain a relevant regional institution. The UWI through its Campuses and other organizations will continue to impact on our national communities and hence serve the region in a comprehensive way bringing its unique aspirations of West Indian-ness, independence and standards of quality as benchmarks for all. We cannot fail! |
Although it can be said that Caribbean nations have passed the infancy stage, I would agree that they have not yet reached full maturity as nations or as it relates to the integration experience. While the developed world has had the benefit of over a century of economic conditioning to prepare for viable existence in today’s globalized economy, Caribbean economies have had to carry out the equivalent adjustment to their systems in hardly more than a couple of decades. I would say the Caribbean has had to contend with more challenges in considerably less time (such as the erosion of preferential treatment and the liberalization of world trade) than the developed world. Caribbean countries have been vulnerable to these trends and many are still uncertain of the future, for instance, in agriculture and meeting the demands of increasingly competitive markets and economies of scale.