A little over a week ago, private sector associations from around the Caribbean agreed to establish by June of next year a new regional body able to represent their interests authoritatively to Caricom. The new organisation – a decision still has to be taken as to whether opt the name Caribbean Business Council (CBC) will be adopted ‒ is an important step forward, creating something much needed in the region: a single strong private sector voice.
For years, the Caribbean private sector has been talking about the need for a better dialogue with Caricom. However, for a variety of reasons it has failed to put in place a body worthy of the vital role the regional private sector has in delivering economic growth.
Now a new institution seems set to emerge, able to make representations on the issues that have all but stymied the potential of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME). The new initiative aims to create a viable mechanism that bridges the public-private divide, enables business to raise formally issues of common concern at a regional level, and has the capacity to argue for change in ways that spurs regional growth.
As with so many issues in the Caribbean, the