The political review of the Greater Caribbean for the year 2006 shows a positive situation, since several elections were held in accordance with the rules of democratic participation, in addition to which there was a lower degree of voter abstention, at least less than that initially predicted by the surveys conducted.

Our peoples have made progress in terms of the mechanisms used in political battles, casting aside the violence employed in previous years in such manifestations.  An appreciation for peace and civic awareness has taken root within the region and these facilitate dialogue for the establishment of major agreements for the benefit of the nation. In this respect, more and more leaders are seen to be openly committed to the struggle for the Rule of Law to prevail, respect for human rights and the fight against corruption.

The economy has shown relative growth rates that may be considered significant, but they have been unable to overcome the profound abyss of social inequality that severely affects the masses in this part of the world; thus the fight against poverty and marginalisation remains a top priority.

One of the most immediate consequences of this situation involving growth without development is emigration, which has been a response by significant and dynamic social sectors of the population that resort to this option in seeking individual solutions for the problems that affect them. Emigration has increased drastically in terms of the number of persons and destinations, bringing with it the consequences of uncertainty for emigrants, since it puts them at risk of even losing their lives.

The environment continues to be one of the main causes for concern, given the high vulnerability of most of our territories to natural phenomena. Fortunately, the forecasts predicted for this area in 2006 did not materialise, since undoubtedly, a season more intense than that experienced in 2005 would have been catastrophic for the Greater Caribbean. However, that does not mean we are out of the woods, since each year we are destined to face such eventualities.

It is expected that with the advancements made by institutions specialising in this field, they could continue to draw closer to one another to strengthen important coordination mechanisms in order for them to work together, not only for natural disaster prevention, but also for mitigation.

Trade and tourism, indeed the two most dynamic and essential sectors for most of the countries of the area, have not reached the levels of development that they have the potential to achieve; thus, working toward achieving this is a top priority.

Most countries have signed free trade treaties, whether with another country or in the framework of integration schemes, but the process of decision making within  multilateral context still has to be reinforced, since even our countries have not fully integrated this system into their regular practices.

We should be happy to have the Association of Caribbean States, which continues to be an excellent space for concerted action, in order for progress to be made in achieving development and building a culture of peace.

Let's work so that 2007 could help us fulfil such noble objectives and also achieve greater institutional strength as well as greater Caribbean awareness.

Dr Rubén Silié Valdez is the Secretary General of the Association of Caribbean States. The views expressed are not necessarily the official views of the ACS. Comments can be sent to: mail@acs-aec.org