October 8, 2008 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Minister:----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
As you well know, the Caribbean has been especially hard hit this year by tropical storms and hurricanes causing devastating and incalculable damage. CARICOM economies have been stretched to provide the needed relief for the people, while in some cases having to also address major infrastructure damage.-------------------------------------------------------------------
In order to address the budgetary strain in the long term, I am proposing to seek a tax exemption for remittances from U.S.-based Diaspora to CARICOM economies. The Diaspora communities in the United States contribute a significant percentage of the CARICOM countries' GDP annually through remittances to family and friends. If a tax exemption were instituted, I believe that remittances would increase significantly providing CARICOM economies with some additional relief for its struggling citizens. ------------------------------------------------------
Specifically, this proposal would make tax exempt month remittances of $750 or less. This will address any concerns that this system could be exploited for illegal business practices or money laundering operations. --------------------------------------------------------------------------
I believe that if the CARICOM countries join together to make this request, it will carry much weight with the U.S. Congress. Please review the attached draft letter to the U.S. Congress making this request. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at Stanleylucas1@gmail.com or (202) 256-6026. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
I sincerely appreciate your consideration of this very worthwhile initiative. ---------------------
Regards, ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Stanley Lucas ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
President --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Haitian Coalition USA ----------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------------------Attachment--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------DRAFT---------------------------------------
October x, 2008 -------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dear Members of Congress: ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The Caribbean region has been especially hard hit this year by tropical storms and hurricanes causing devastating and incalculable damage. CARICOM economies have been stretched to provide the needed relief for the people, while in some cases having to also address major infrastructure damage. -------------------------------------------------------------------------
A major source of revenue for our people remittances sent to them by the Diaspora communities in the United States. We aim to encourage an increase in those remittances in order to help address some of the short and long term economic strain placed on Caribbean families. The ultimate goal for our economies is to lessen our dependence upon U.S. government support for disaster recovery. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
To that end, we seek a tax exempt status for remittances in the amount of $750 per month, or less. We believe this exemption would spur additional remittances and give a much needed cash injection directly to the people in our countries that need it most. We believe this will be an efficient short and long term help. --------------------------------------------------------------
We understand that the United States is facing myriad economic challenges and a vigorous election season, but our situation is fairly urgent. We respectfully request consideration of our proposal. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Should you have any questions regarding our proposal or require further information, please do not hesitate to contact xx at xx. ----------------------------------------------------------------
Sincerely, ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
[Foreign Minister signatures]
Showing posts with label Haiti and Caricom. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Haiti and Caricom. Show all posts
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Sunday, July 1, 2007
CARIBBEAN SUMMIT: SPEECH OF ALBERT R. RAMDIN ASSISTANT SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES
THE CONFERENCE ON THE CARIBBEAN CSIS ROUNDTABLE June 15, 2007 - Washington, DC ------
Let me
begin by thanking CSIS, and especially Ambassador Peter DeShazo, for organizing this scene-setter session for the upcoming Conference on the Caribbean.I believe that this Conference will serve as a vehicle for deepening and broadening relations at all levels between CARICOM and the USA. In this respect, the Conference objectives, as I understand them, are clear:to strengthen the dialogue between CARICOM and the US Government; to transmit Caribbean perspectives on regional growth and development to the year 2020, and to showcase the region.Through this encounter CARICOM governments intend to achieve these objectives through interaction at three specific levels:government to government; government to people; and people to people. No doubt, this is a very ambitious undertaking, which is meant to consolidate existing ties of friendship and kinship, and open new doors for dialogue, mutual understanding, cooperation and, hopefully, trade, investment and development.----------------------------- ---------------------------The responsibility for bringing it to fruition has rested with the CARICOM Caucus of Ambassadors in Washington and the United States State Department, and Ambassador Shirley and Ambassador Patrick Duddy will no doubt tell you more about the challenges faced, the process of preparation and the programme of encounters next week.Ladies and Gentlemen, we are all aware of the differences in size, wealth and population between the USA and the Caribbean. But the two areas are linked by very strong ties, owing to geography and proximity, migration patterns and the supply of labour in a broad range of professions, trade relations, US investments in the Caribbean sub-region, and concomitant security concerns. The Caribbean Diaspora in the USA is significant both in terms of size and impact on this country as well as the Caribbean. As we look around the United States from Miami to New York, Chicago to California, individuals of Caribbean heritage are achieving prominence as leaders in both the public and private sectors.I am particularly encouraged that the Caribbean governments recognize the importance of reaching out to this group and that is reflected in the systematic way in which the Caricom Caucus has reached out to the Caribbean Diaspora in the USA with a view to harness their skills and resources to aid development in the region, and promote awareness abroad. This idea of popular buy-in amongst the Caribbean Diaspora adds tremendous value to the Conference and adds a critical component which makes these meetings more than a series of high-level political meetings. Indeed, I would say that this approach can be described as politics for the people in order to better serve the development of the people and nations of the Caribbean. Once concrete area for consultation and action should be the issue of how best to make the most effective economic use of remittances from the Caribbean Diaspora, which account for a significant percentage of the GDP of many Caribbean countries. In Haiti alone, annual remittances account for 40 percent of GDP. One idea that might be explored is the establishment of mechanisms to facilitate the transfer of funds and their investment in development projects. ----------------------------------------There is also a political role for the Diaspora, which should be tapped at all levels - community, state and federal – to raise the profile of Caribbean concerns in the USA and to boost U.S.-Caribbean relations. Mr. Stanley Lucas has written a paper on “Institutionalizing Caribbean Diaspora Efforts in the US” and this will be discussed in the Diaspora Forum. Among his recommendations worthy of consideration are:the establishment of a CARICOM-US Business Council;a Caribbean Committee of 100 to encourage a broader range of voices in the policy process to highlight the sub-region and to bring a Caribbean-American perspective to US relations with the Caribbean;the formation of a Caribbean Congressional Caucus; and the establishment of a Caribbean Youth Leadership Programme. In the latter respect, allow me to highlight the role of the Young Americas Business Trust, an affiliate of the OAS, which is already doing sterling work in fomenting youth entrepreneurship in the Hemisphere, including in the Caribbean. Just as the Caribbean Diaspora maintains a vibrant cultural identity, it has to be recognized that Caribbean culture, identity and values are as much at risk at home as abroad and, in this regard, I should like to throw out the idea of establishing more Caribbean focused programs. The Caribbean diaspora is an important channel to promote the tourism industry in the Caribbean. The support of the Diaspora is critical to underlining the message that CARICOM is worth regarding as a continuing political and economic partner for the USA. In the OAS, CARICOM commands 14 votes and is therefore a vital partner, in addition to being a strategic geo-political sub-region in terms of security, with ample scope for increased cooperation in combating organized crime, the illegal trafficking of firearms and drugs, and the threat of terrorism. Development cooperation, increased investment and enhanced trade from the Caribbean to the USA will also be important to sustain and raise levels of economic growth. In terms of foreign policy, whilst there is disagreement on some international policy objectives and actions, there is sufficient common ground to strengthen the relationship and to continue to pursue other areas of mutual interest, particularly in the social, economic and security spheres. In showcasing the Caribbean, Heads will be opening doors for trade and investment. One therefore expects that delegations will explore possibilities for niche markets in the USA, particularly amongst Diaspora communities. The opportunity might also be taken to explore frameworks and opportunities in areas such as tourism, renewable energy and agro-industry. --------------------------------------- ---------Politically, CARICOM is already proving to be a useful partner in efforts to support the consolidation of constitutional democratic government in Haiti and, in my view, can also be a useful interlocutor in the emerging informal dialogue regarding Cuba. Much of the success of the Conference will lie in effective follow-up and the hope that announced outcomes at the official level will go beyond mere statements on foreign policy and platitudes on the importance of US-Caribbean relations. The current reality is that CARICOM brings strengths to the hemisphere and can contribute meaningfully in many areas such as good governance, democracy, civil society, etc. ----------------------------------------- ------------------------------------The reality is also that these economies are prone to vulnerabilities beyond their own control, such as illegal drug trafficking, international organized crime, natural disasters, phasing out of preferential treatment of their exports, etc.I believe that the best way to deal with threats, challenges or security issues in the Caribbean is to make these small economies stronger, sustainable and able to withstand external shocks. Creating employment and, promoting investment are key in this strategy to strengthen vulnerable economies in transition.The shared interest and common values between the US and Caribbean economies provide a solid basis to make this relationship a meaningful one. One that is based on the recognition that it is in the strategic interest of the Caribbean and the USA to build and sustain such a relationship, not only in times when domestic agenda’s require such an friendly climate and response, but in a more structural sense by establishing dialogue mechanism that work and deliver to both.One that delivers on the promise of creating wealth in those countries by dealing with the trade imbalance, by restructuring the Caribbean Basin Initiative, by facilitating and supporting the transfer of these economies towards financial and other services. One that supports the realities of the new security paradigm in which governance and development issues are closely linked to security concerns – and in which US security regulations directly impact security efforts and development issues for the Caribbean, and security concerns in the Caribbean have direct bearing on the United States. The 14 CARICOM nations, that are a member of the OAS, form almost 50% of the independent countries of the Americas: clearly it is better to count these nations as friends of the USA. In my view, this conference provides an unique opportunity to solidify this environment, by making the relationship visible and an equal one.I thank you for your presence and attention.
Let me
begin by thanking CSIS, and especially Ambassador Peter DeShazo, for organizing this scene-setter session for the upcoming Conference on the Caribbean.I believe that this Conference will serve as a vehicle for deepening and broadening relations at all levels between CARICOM and the USA. In this respect, the Conference objectives, as I understand them, are clear:to strengthen the dialogue between CARICOM and the US Government; to transmit Caribbean perspectives on regional growth and development to the year 2020, and to showcase the region.Through this encounter CARICOM governments intend to achieve these objectives through interaction at three specific levels:government to government; government to people; and people to people. No doubt, this is a very ambitious undertaking, which is meant to consolidate existing ties of friendship and kinship, and open new doors for dialogue, mutual understanding, cooperation and, hopefully, trade, investment and development.----------------------------- ---------------------------The responsibility for bringing it to fruition has rested with the CARICOM Caucus of Ambassadors in Washington and the United States State Department, and Ambassador Shirley and Ambassador Patrick Duddy will no doubt tell you more about the challenges faced, the process of preparation and the programme of encounters next week.Ladies and Gentlemen, we are all aware of the differences in size, wealth and population between the USA and the Caribbean. But the two areas are linked by very strong ties, owing to geography and proximity, migration patterns and the supply of labour in a broad range of professions, trade relations, US investments in the Caribbean sub-region, and concomitant security concerns. The Caribbean Diaspora in the USA is significant both in terms of size and impact on this country as well as the Caribbean. As we look around the United States from Miami to New York, Chicago to California, individuals of Caribbean heritage are achieving prominence as leaders in both the public and private sectors.I am particularly encouraged that the Caribbean governments recognize the importance of reaching out to this group and that is reflected in the systematic way in which the Caricom Caucus has reached out to the Caribbean Diaspora in the USA with a view to harness their skills and resources to aid development in the region, and promote awareness abroad. This idea of popular buy-in amongst the Caribbean Diaspora adds tremendous value to the Conference and adds a critical component which makes these meetings more than a series of high-level political meetings. Indeed, I would say that this approach can be described as politics for the people in order to better serve the development of the people and nations of the Caribbean. Once concrete area for consultation and action should be the issue of how best to make the most effective economic use of remittances from the Caribbean Diaspora, which account for a significant percentage of the GDP of many Caribbean countries. In Haiti alone, annual remittances account for 40 percent of GDP. One idea that might be explored is the establishment of mechanisms to facilitate the transfer of funds and their investment in development projects. ----------------------------------------There is also a political role for the Diaspora, which should be tapped at all levels - community, state and federal – to raise the profile of Caribbean concerns in the USA and to boost U.S.-Caribbean relations. Mr. Stanley Lucas has written a paper on “Institutionalizing Caribbean Diaspora Efforts in the US” and this will be discussed in the Diaspora Forum. Among his recommendations worthy of consideration are:the establishment of a CARICOM-US Business Council;a Caribbean Committee of 100 to encourage a broader range of voices in the policy process to highlight the sub-region and to bring a Caribbean-American perspective to US relations with the Caribbean;the formation of a Caribbean Congressional Caucus; and the establishment of a Caribbean Youth Leadership Programme. In the latter respect, allow me to highlight the role of the Young Americas Business Trust, an affiliate of the OAS, which is already doing sterling work in fomenting youth entrepreneurship in the Hemisphere, including in the Caribbean. Just as the Caribbean Diaspora maintains a vibrant cultural identity, it has to be recognized that Caribbean culture, identity and values are as much at risk at home as abroad and, in this regard, I should like to throw out the idea of establishing more Caribbean focused programs. The Caribbean diaspora is an important channel to promote the tourism industry in the Caribbean. The support of the Diaspora is critical to underlining the message that CARICOM is worth regarding as a continuing political and economic partner for the USA. In the OAS, CARICOM commands 14 votes and is therefore a vital partner, in addition to being a strategic geo-political sub-region in terms of security, with ample scope for increased cooperation in combating organized crime, the illegal trafficking of firearms and drugs, and the threat of terrorism. Development cooperation, increased investment and enhanced trade from the Caribbean to the USA will also be important to sustain and raise levels of economic growth. In terms of foreign policy, whilst there is disagreement on some international policy objectives and actions, there is sufficient common ground to strengthen the relationship and to continue to pursue other areas of mutual interest, particularly in the social, economic and security spheres. In showcasing the Caribbean, Heads will be opening doors for trade and investment. One therefore expects that delegations will explore possibilities for niche markets in the USA, particularly amongst Diaspora communities. The opportunity might also be taken to explore frameworks and opportunities in areas such as tourism, renewable energy and agro-industry. --------------------------------------- ---------Politically, CARICOM is already proving to be a useful partner in efforts to support the consolidation of constitutional democratic government in Haiti and, in my view, can also be a useful interlocutor in the emerging informal dialogue regarding Cuba. Much of the success of the Conference will lie in effective follow-up and the hope that announced outcomes at the official level will go beyond mere statements on foreign policy and platitudes on the importance of US-Caribbean relations. The current reality is that CARICOM brings strengths to the hemisphere and can contribute meaningfully in many areas such as good governance, democracy, civil society, etc. ----------------------------------------- ------------------------------------The reality is also that these economies are prone to vulnerabilities beyond their own control, such as illegal drug trafficking, international organized crime, natural disasters, phasing out of preferential treatment of their exports, etc.I believe that the best way to deal with threats, challenges or security issues in the Caribbean is to make these small economies stronger, sustainable and able to withstand external shocks. Creating employment and, promoting investment are key in this strategy to strengthen vulnerable economies in transition.The shared interest and common values between the US and Caribbean economies provide a solid basis to make this relationship a meaningful one. One that is based on the recognition that it is in the strategic interest of the Caribbean and the USA to build and sustain such a relationship, not only in times when domestic agenda’s require such an friendly climate and response, but in a more structural sense by establishing dialogue mechanism that work and deliver to both.One that delivers on the promise of creating wealth in those countries by dealing with the trade imbalance, by restructuring the Caribbean Basin Initiative, by facilitating and supporting the transfer of these economies towards financial and other services. One that supports the realities of the new security paradigm in which governance and development issues are closely linked to security concerns – and in which US security regulations directly impact security efforts and development issues for the Caribbean, and security concerns in the Caribbean have direct bearing on the United States. The 14 CARICOM nations, that are a member of the OAS, form almost 50% of the independent countries of the Americas: clearly it is better to count these nations as friends of the USA. In my view, this conference provides an unique opportunity to solidify this environment, by making the relationship visible and an equal one.I thank you for your presence and attention.
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Call to Action: Caribbean Diaspora Need to Get Involved by Stanley Lucas
US-Caribbean relations have been strained in recent years. Events over the last few months, including the Guyana and Trinidad involvement in the alleged terrorist plot on JFK airport and the bumbled attempts of Haitian nationals to organize an attack on a Chicago tower, highlight the need to build some bridges with our neighboring region to address mutual challenges.
In the next two weeks, Caribbean leaders will meet in Washington, D.C. to discuss regional priorities. High on the list of topics will be institutionalizing mechanisms to work more closely with the US on terrorist-related issues. Despite its proximity to the U.S., however, the Caribbean is not a priority for the Administration. In addition to being spread thin internationally, there is no organized channel to provide regular, accurate, and useful information to the U.S. policy makers. --------------------------------------------------
Government-to-government dialogues are key, but to truly move U.S.-Caribbean relations onto the radar screens of U.S. policy makers, we need two tracks: government and private sector. To date, the Caribbean private sector has had limited interaction with the Washington policy community. Interaction has been ad hoc at best. It is time to bring some organization to the U.S.-Caribbean policy debate and engage the Diaspora community and the local business leaders, who could play a much larger role in shaping the policy debate. The Caribbean countries need a clear and compelling voice in Washington, D.C. to educate policy makers and the public.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Let us take a lesson from our colleagues in the Dominican Republic. Their private sector and prominent Diaspora community has been very engaged in promoting the DR. Notable people such as Sammy Sousa, Oscar de la Renta and private business leaders have taken on the task of promoting the DR among the US business community and on Capitol Hill. Partly as a result of their ongoing efforts, the Dominican Republic was actually included in the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). It was subsequently renamed the CAFTA-DR agreement.
---------------------------------------
It is now more than ever important to build international allies for the Caribbean. The region is fragile. Historically, it has been colonized by the major powers, racked with political instability and endemic poverty, and more recently it has been a pawn in the Taiwan-China rivalry. There are now indications that the region is a target in Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's plans to roll back economic and political reforms in the region. This would be a tragedy. ------------------------------------------------------------------
For sure, the Caribbean leaders need to implement economic and political plans that advance their countries and ensure a productive role in an increasingly globalized economy. There is much work to be done at the policy level as many countries lag desperately behind international standards. In order to get the attention of key policy makers, however, the Caribbean leadership will need the support and active engagement of the Diaspora community and business leaders. ------------------------------------------
This is critical and those who will benefit from advancement must stand up and take ownership in this process as well. There are well established bilateral business councils -- Committees of 100, foundations and societies – that promote countries from Brazil to China to Russia. Where are the Caribbean societies and policy debates? They are sorely lagging behind. We need to take the opportunity presented by this forum and by our common goals against terrorism to build the strong links needed to create a brighter future for the Caribbean region.
In the next two weeks, Caribbean leaders will meet in Washington, D.C. to discuss regional priorities. High on the list of topics will be institutionalizing mechanisms to work more closely with the US on terrorist-related issues. Despite its proximity to the U.S., however, the Caribbean is not a priority for the Administration. In addition to being spread thin internationally, there is no organized channel to provide regular, accurate, and useful information to the U.S. policy makers. --------------------------------------------------
Government-to-government dialogues are key, but to truly move U.S.-Caribbean relations onto the radar screens of U.S. policy makers, we need two tracks: government and private sector. To date, the Caribbean private sector has had limited interaction with the Washington policy community. Interaction has been ad hoc at best. It is time to bring some organization to the U.S.-Caribbean policy debate and engage the Diaspora community and the local business leaders, who could play a much larger role in shaping the policy debate. The Caribbean countries need a clear and compelling voice in Washington, D.C. to educate policy makers and the public.-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Let us take a lesson from our colleagues in the Dominican Republic. Their private sector and prominent Diaspora community has been very engaged in promoting the DR. Notable people such as Sammy Sousa, Oscar de la Renta and private business leaders have taken on the task of promoting the DR among the US business community and on Capitol Hill. Partly as a result of their ongoing efforts, the Dominican Republic was actually included in the Central American Free Trade Agreement (CAFTA). It was subsequently renamed the CAFTA-DR agreement.
---------------------------------------
It is now more than ever important to build international allies for the Caribbean. The region is fragile. Historically, it has been colonized by the major powers, racked with political instability and endemic poverty, and more recently it has been a pawn in the Taiwan-China rivalry. There are now indications that the region is a target in Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez's plans to roll back economic and political reforms in the region. This would be a tragedy. ------------------------------------------------------------------
For sure, the Caribbean leaders need to implement economic and political plans that advance their countries and ensure a productive role in an increasingly globalized economy. There is much work to be done at the policy level as many countries lag desperately behind international standards. In order to get the attention of key policy makers, however, the Caribbean leadership will need the support and active engagement of the Diaspora community and business leaders. ------------------------------------------
This is critical and those who will benefit from advancement must stand up and take ownership in this process as well. There are well established bilateral business councils -- Committees of 100, foundations and societies – that promote countries from Brazil to China to Russia. Where are the Caribbean societies and policy debates? They are sorely lagging behind. We need to take the opportunity presented by this forum and by our common goals against terrorism to build the strong links needed to create a brighter future for the Caribbean region.
Tuesday, June 12, 2007
Institutionalizing Caribbean Diaspora Efforts in the U.S. by Stanley Lucas
http://www.conferenceonthecaribbean.org/Portals/0/Documents/Diaspora%20Forum/Lucas%20-%20Caribbean%20Diaspora%20efforts.pdf Caribbean Diaspora account for a significant percentage of the GDP of many Caribbean countries. In Haiti alone, their annual remittances account for 40 percent of the country’s GDP. While they are playing a major role in their home countries’ economic development, to date there has been no systematic effort to harness the skills, knowledge and professional networks of the Caribbean Diaspora in addressing the regional development challenges and promoting and developing investment opportunities in the region. Additionally, the Diaspora, especially business leaders, often have great influence in their local communities in the U.S. This influence has not been tapped to elevate U.S.-Caribbean relations. ----------------------
What is truly lacking are institutionalized platforms to organize the Diaspora to leverage their collective talent and influence to address regional issues and bilateral issues. Other regions, such as Asia, have been very successful in leveraging their Diaspora communities and especially at creating ongoing bilateral business dialogues and various channels in to U.S. policy makers.
Clearly, U.S. priorities are focused on the Middle East region, anti-terrorism initiatives, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and other political crises. Despite its proximity to the U.S., the Caribbean is not a priority for the Administration. Not because it should not be, but rather because in addition to being spread thin in foreign policy, there is no organized channel to funnel information into the U.S. policy makers, especially from the Diaspora community. Additionally, the Caribbean is perceived as a tourist destination, not an economic engine, as are China and India. Politically, the Caribbean is often associated with instability and trade disputes, to some degree. However, there are many interesting new initiatives taking shape in the Caribbean, notably in the energy sector where there are plans to turn the region into a hub for bio-fuels. Some countries, such as the Bahamas, are projecting record economic growth rates for 2007.
But the region is fragile. Historically, it has been colonized by the major powers, and more recently it has been a pawn in the Taiwan-China rivalry and in Venezuelan President Huga Chavez’s plans to roll back economic and political reforms in the region. The Caribbean countries need another voice in Washington, D.C. to educate policy makers and the public of the importance of the region and on the major issues challenging their governments.-------
The Diaspora community should play a key role in reinforcing Caribbean government’s efforts at home and abroad. One significant way they could support political and economic development in the region is to organize itself to address the key challenges of: local economic development and securing international attention and assistance.
This paper will outline and examine some proposals for platforms that the Caribbean Diaspora should develop in order to elevate the region as a higher priority for the U.S. government and to participate in their region’s growth. Included in the paper will be a discussion of a: CARICOM-US Business Council, to elevate a bilateral dialogue between the business communities and develop an agenda that includes key trade issues; a Committee of 100, that could establish a high level policy dialogue across sectors and highlight Caribbean culture; a CARICOM Congressional Caucus, that would elevate the issues in the U.S. Congress; a CARICOM Society to highlight unique aspects of the Caribbean culture including art and entertainment; and a CARICOM Youth Leadership Program, supported by some of the above mentioned organizations and the regional governments to help build capacity in the future. The key will be to advocate bringing some structure to the CARICOM efforts with the Diaspora community. ----------------------------
CARICOM-U.S. BUSINESS COUNCIL
Bilateral business council’s have been created around regional and country specific issues. There is a U.S.-Brazil Business Council, U.S.-China Business Council, U.S.-APEC Business Council, among others. They offer the opportunity to bring together the top business leaders in the region and U.S. and Diaspora business leaders with a big stake in the region. The Councils provide a strong, systematic platform for business leaders to funnel their priorities and challenges into the policy system, and they have a stronger voice than if tackling the issues separately. As the main engine of economic growth, the private sector usually has significant influence in shaping the trade and policy agendas.
U.S. trade and economic leaders have a multitude of priorities, including a series of Free Trade Agreements, a new Doha round at the World Trade Organization, energy policy, and ongoing strategy development related to the rise of India and China. Caribbean issues are relegated to the bottom of the priority list. However, with the growing influence of leaders such as Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in the region, it is greatly in their interest to develop a more robust strategy to engage the region.
In order to attract the right level of attention from U.S. leaders, the Council should be comprised of senior level corporate representatives as well as some notable advisors from the region. The Council should have a clear, and focused agenda with an annual meeting, accompanied by the release of a white paper and a gala dinner. In addition, the Council should have a small staff to publish a regular newsletter for distribution among U.S. policy leaders and the membership. There are currently very few sources of information on Caribbean priorities and this would go a long way toward educating leaders on the issues.----------
THE CARIBBEAN COMMITTEE OF 100
In addition to building a business-to-business dialogue, the Diaspora community should also encourage a broader range of voices into the policy process and to highlight the region. There is the need for an organization that brings an Caribbean-American perspective to U.S. relations with the Caribbean and to address the concerns of Americans of Caribbean heritage. To address this need, a Committee of 100 Caribbean leaders should be developed to include all sectors, from business to sports to entertainment and art. To be most effective, the Committee should be an international non-partisan organization composed of American citizens of Caribbean descent, Caribbean citizens residing in the United States or prominent Caribbean citizens living in the Caribbean from a broad range of professions. With these diverse backgrounds, members will be able to collectively pool their strengths and experience to address important issues concerning the Caribbean-American community, as well as issues affecting U.S.-Caribbean relations.
The key functions of the Committee should be to serve as bridge between the cultures and systems of Caribbean and the U.S. and also, to provide a forum for those issues that Americans of Caribbean descent face in bettering their lives in the United States. The Committee will be dedicated to serve as "cultural ambassadors" and fostering the exchange of ideas and various perspective among their membership with those in the community and government.
The Committee of 100 will be a voice for the enhancement of relations between the U.S. and the Caribbean With an in-depth understanding of both cultures, the Committee can enhance America understanding of the Caribbean, as well as Caribbean’s understanding of the United States.
The Committee could also serve as the vehicle to develop charitable programs and donations by creating endowment funds for scholarships or recognition awards for significant contributions to promoting Caribbean culture. This would be less of an agenda drive organization and more of a profile raising group to encourage constructive relations between the Caribbean and United States. -------------------------------------------------------------------------
CARICOM CONGRESSIONAL CAUCUS
Many countries and regions, including Hong Kong, have encouraged the formation of a Congressional Caucus. Caucuses meet frequently and hear expert testimony on the key issues in the region. They conduct congressional delegations and fact-finding missions to the region and release white papers. Further, they can be helpful in pushing a legislative agenda that benefits the region.
Through various platforms, the CARICOM leaders should encourage the Congressional delegations, particularly from Florida and New York, to form a caucus around these issues. The potential Business Council and Committee of 100 would be excellent platforms to leverage to meet with a select list of Congressional leaders to advocate this caucus. In lieu of established platforms, Caribbean business leaders and Diaspora should form an ad hoc coalition and inform members of plans to put in place certain structures. In this way, the Congressional leaders will know that they will have partners to reach out to in order to support this initiative.-------------------------------
CARICOM SOCIETY
Another successful platform to put in place would be a CARICOM Society. This could be an organization that would promote cultural awareness through policy debates. A prominent example of such an organization is the Asia Society headquartered in New York. They are endowed in large part by private funding, including the Rockefellers. They undertake a range of activities promoting everything from Asian cooking to the spread of democracy throughout the region. In addition, they have a headquarters that can be used to host events. This is something that should be a longer term goal for the Caribbean nations, but certainly it would go a long way to promoting better understanding by beginning to set up such a structure.-------------------------------
CARIBBEAN YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Another important group to engage is the youth – both the youth in the Caribbean and the Caribbean-American youth. Education is the key to the future of the region and will better prepare the region to meet future competition and challenges. Many countries face a chronic shortage of skilled workers or a weak pool of candidates for government posts. In addition to promoting greater U.S.-Caribbean ties, the above mentioned groups should partner with the OAS and local governments to launch a program aimed at promoting youth education and development. Clearly for the Caribbean youth, a better understanding of how the United States operates in the arenas of economic, political and social issues can only strengthen future relationships between the Caribbean and the United States.
The Caribbean Youth Leadership Program should be created to facilitate exchange programs between the youth of the Caribbean and the youth of United States. Programs could include scholarships for Caribbean-American students, scholarships for students throughout the Caribbean to study in the United States, government exchanges between young civil servants in the Caribbean to do study programs in the U.S. The Program could also work with D.C. think tanks to develop internship programs. Further, the Diaspora in the U.S. could act as mentors for students serving as examples of being successful at home and abroad.---------------------
CONCLUSION
The combination of these initiatives will begin to address the lack of policy attention that the region is currently getting and is intended to put some shape and structure to the regions agenda by harnessing the power of the Diaspora community. Of course, the Diaspora should work closely with Caribbean governments as well in order to undertake a well coordinated effort. Therefore, in addition to the above mention activities in the U.S., several of these platforms should also consider hosting events and programs in the region or incorporating government into representatives into their initiatives by hosting them for programs in the U.S. While the Caribbean governments play an important advocacy role, their efforts will be greatly supported by Diaspora organization as well.
What is truly lacking are institutionalized platforms to organize the Diaspora to leverage their collective talent and influence to address regional issues and bilateral issues. Other regions, such as Asia, have been very successful in leveraging their Diaspora communities and especially at creating ongoing bilateral business dialogues and various channels in to U.S. policy makers.
Clearly, U.S. priorities are focused on the Middle East region, anti-terrorism initiatives, the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and other political crises. Despite its proximity to the U.S., the Caribbean is not a priority for the Administration. Not because it should not be, but rather because in addition to being spread thin in foreign policy, there is no organized channel to funnel information into the U.S. policy makers, especially from the Diaspora community. Additionally, the Caribbean is perceived as a tourist destination, not an economic engine, as are China and India. Politically, the Caribbean is often associated with instability and trade disputes, to some degree. However, there are many interesting new initiatives taking shape in the Caribbean, notably in the energy sector where there are plans to turn the region into a hub for bio-fuels. Some countries, such as the Bahamas, are projecting record economic growth rates for 2007.
But the region is fragile. Historically, it has been colonized by the major powers, and more recently it has been a pawn in the Taiwan-China rivalry and in Venezuelan President Huga Chavez’s plans to roll back economic and political reforms in the region. The Caribbean countries need another voice in Washington, D.C. to educate policy makers and the public of the importance of the region and on the major issues challenging their governments.-------
The Diaspora community should play a key role in reinforcing Caribbean government’s efforts at home and abroad. One significant way they could support political and economic development in the region is to organize itself to address the key challenges of: local economic development and securing international attention and assistance.
This paper will outline and examine some proposals for platforms that the Caribbean Diaspora should develop in order to elevate the region as a higher priority for the U.S. government and to participate in their region’s growth. Included in the paper will be a discussion of a: CARICOM-US Business Council, to elevate a bilateral dialogue between the business communities and develop an agenda that includes key trade issues; a Committee of 100, that could establish a high level policy dialogue across sectors and highlight Caribbean culture; a CARICOM Congressional Caucus, that would elevate the issues in the U.S. Congress; a CARICOM Society to highlight unique aspects of the Caribbean culture including art and entertainment; and a CARICOM Youth Leadership Program, supported by some of the above mentioned organizations and the regional governments to help build capacity in the future. The key will be to advocate bringing some structure to the CARICOM efforts with the Diaspora community. ----------------------------
CARICOM-U.S. BUSINESS COUNCIL
Bilateral business council’s have been created around regional and country specific issues. There is a U.S.-Brazil Business Council, U.S.-China Business Council, U.S.-APEC Business Council, among others. They offer the opportunity to bring together the top business leaders in the region and U.S. and Diaspora business leaders with a big stake in the region. The Councils provide a strong, systematic platform for business leaders to funnel their priorities and challenges into the policy system, and they have a stronger voice than if tackling the issues separately. As the main engine of economic growth, the private sector usually has significant influence in shaping the trade and policy agendas.
U.S. trade and economic leaders have a multitude of priorities, including a series of Free Trade Agreements, a new Doha round at the World Trade Organization, energy policy, and ongoing strategy development related to the rise of India and China. Caribbean issues are relegated to the bottom of the priority list. However, with the growing influence of leaders such as Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez in the region, it is greatly in their interest to develop a more robust strategy to engage the region.
In order to attract the right level of attention from U.S. leaders, the Council should be comprised of senior level corporate representatives as well as some notable advisors from the region. The Council should have a clear, and focused agenda with an annual meeting, accompanied by the release of a white paper and a gala dinner. In addition, the Council should have a small staff to publish a regular newsletter for distribution among U.S. policy leaders and the membership. There are currently very few sources of information on Caribbean priorities and this would go a long way toward educating leaders on the issues.----------
THE CARIBBEAN COMMITTEE OF 100
In addition to building a business-to-business dialogue, the Diaspora community should also encourage a broader range of voices into the policy process and to highlight the region. There is the need for an organization that brings an Caribbean-American perspective to U.S. relations with the Caribbean and to address the concerns of Americans of Caribbean heritage. To address this need, a Committee of 100 Caribbean leaders should be developed to include all sectors, from business to sports to entertainment and art. To be most effective, the Committee should be an international non-partisan organization composed of American citizens of Caribbean descent, Caribbean citizens residing in the United States or prominent Caribbean citizens living in the Caribbean from a broad range of professions. With these diverse backgrounds, members will be able to collectively pool their strengths and experience to address important issues concerning the Caribbean-American community, as well as issues affecting U.S.-Caribbean relations.
The key functions of the Committee should be to serve as bridge between the cultures and systems of Caribbean and the U.S. and also, to provide a forum for those issues that Americans of Caribbean descent face in bettering their lives in the United States. The Committee will be dedicated to serve as "cultural ambassadors" and fostering the exchange of ideas and various perspective among their membership with those in the community and government.
The Committee of 100 will be a voice for the enhancement of relations between the U.S. and the Caribbean With an in-depth understanding of both cultures, the Committee can enhance America understanding of the Caribbean, as well as Caribbean’s understanding of the United States.
The Committee could also serve as the vehicle to develop charitable programs and donations by creating endowment funds for scholarships or recognition awards for significant contributions to promoting Caribbean culture. This would be less of an agenda drive organization and more of a profile raising group to encourage constructive relations between the Caribbean and United States. -------------------------------------------------------------------------
CARICOM CONGRESSIONAL CAUCUS
Many countries and regions, including Hong Kong, have encouraged the formation of a Congressional Caucus. Caucuses meet frequently and hear expert testimony on the key issues in the region. They conduct congressional delegations and fact-finding missions to the region and release white papers. Further, they can be helpful in pushing a legislative agenda that benefits the region.
Through various platforms, the CARICOM leaders should encourage the Congressional delegations, particularly from Florida and New York, to form a caucus around these issues. The potential Business Council and Committee of 100 would be excellent platforms to leverage to meet with a select list of Congressional leaders to advocate this caucus. In lieu of established platforms, Caribbean business leaders and Diaspora should form an ad hoc coalition and inform members of plans to put in place certain structures. In this way, the Congressional leaders will know that they will have partners to reach out to in order to support this initiative.-------------------------------
CARICOM SOCIETY
Another successful platform to put in place would be a CARICOM Society. This could be an organization that would promote cultural awareness through policy debates. A prominent example of such an organization is the Asia Society headquartered in New York. They are endowed in large part by private funding, including the Rockefellers. They undertake a range of activities promoting everything from Asian cooking to the spread of democracy throughout the region. In addition, they have a headquarters that can be used to host events. This is something that should be a longer term goal for the Caribbean nations, but certainly it would go a long way to promoting better understanding by beginning to set up such a structure.-------------------------------
CARIBBEAN YOUTH LEADERSHIP PROGRAM
Another important group to engage is the youth – both the youth in the Caribbean and the Caribbean-American youth. Education is the key to the future of the region and will better prepare the region to meet future competition and challenges. Many countries face a chronic shortage of skilled workers or a weak pool of candidates for government posts. In addition to promoting greater U.S.-Caribbean ties, the above mentioned groups should partner with the OAS and local governments to launch a program aimed at promoting youth education and development. Clearly for the Caribbean youth, a better understanding of how the United States operates in the arenas of economic, political and social issues can only strengthen future relationships between the Caribbean and the United States.
The Caribbean Youth Leadership Program should be created to facilitate exchange programs between the youth of the Caribbean and the youth of United States. Programs could include scholarships for Caribbean-American students, scholarships for students throughout the Caribbean to study in the United States, government exchanges between young civil servants in the Caribbean to do study programs in the U.S. The Program could also work with D.C. think tanks to develop internship programs. Further, the Diaspora in the U.S. could act as mentors for students serving as examples of being successful at home and abroad.---------------------
CONCLUSION
The combination of these initiatives will begin to address the lack of policy attention that the region is currently getting and is intended to put some shape and structure to the regions agenda by harnessing the power of the Diaspora community. Of course, the Diaspora should work closely with Caribbean governments as well in order to undertake a well coordinated effort. Therefore, in addition to the above mention activities in the U.S., several of these platforms should also consider hosting events and programs in the region or incorporating government into representatives into their initiatives by hosting them for programs in the U.S. While the Caribbean governments play an important advocacy role, their efforts will be greatly supported by Diaspora organization as well.
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