LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Moving out of the US shadow

Wednesday, June 15, 2005

Dear Sir:

Partnerships between the Caribbean and the other Latin American nations could offer the two regions an opportunity to pursue self-sufficient development strategies.

While US-CARICOM relations have without question deteriorated, Brazil, a superpower of the future, seems to be stepping in to fill the gap ("Caribbean Foreign Affairs Ministers Recommend Formalisation of Relations with Brazil", June, 8th, 2005).

A closer relationship between Brazil and CARICOM has to move Caribbean nations out of the US shadow. Initiating talks with Brazil demonstrates that, despite territorial disputes, political divergences and economic inequalities, regional integration is worth pursuing. 

Co-operation with Brazil also will establish that Latin America and the Caribbean can engage in constructive and fair trade agreements without US supervision, greatly reducing the Caribbean's dependency on its powerful Northern neighbor. 

Latin America and the Caribbean Basin have ignored each other's potentials and weaknesses for far too long. By collaborating, Latin America and CARICOM will aggregate more political and economic power, which is crucial to defending their respective interests in the international community. 

Oceane Jasor 
Research Associate
Council on Hemispheric Affairs 

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