The next editorial is issued by Sandrea Maynard, Professional Vice-Chancellor International Affairs at The College of the West Indies.
Canada and the Caribbean have been traditionally longstanding companions however at this time, many Canadians understand the Caribbean as a vacation spot for holidays.
Over time, as different entities have expanded their presence within the Caribbean, Canadian growth assist within the area has moved from bodily infrastructure growth to extra intangible coverage help, usually delivered by means of third events akin to worldwide organisations. Consequently, Canada’s tangible visibility profile within the area has diminished. Along with strategic companions within the Caribbean, the Canadian Authorities has been bolstering bilateral ties to handle this growth and make sure that Canada and the Caribbean progress as mutually helpful companions shifting collectively into the longer term.
Canadian society contains numerous folks of Caribbean origin, many with household connections and enterprise pursuits there. Equally, many Canadian residents have good cause to care deeply about what occurs within the Caribbean.
Sustaining Caribbean financial stability and financial development can carry financial advantages to Canada. A steady market of 16 million folks (60% below 30) might be important marketplace for Canadian merchants and buyers.
Collaboration between CARICOM and Canada, for instance, between instructional establishments akin to those we lead, ends in worldwide college students, exchanges of scholars and school, cooperative analysis, and growth of the leaders of tomorrow.
The cultural range of each CARICOM and Canada can solely profit from better entry to and collaboration between all ranges of society.
Canada’s assist to CARICOM in coping with local weather change and its many vulnerabilities, a greener power transition, and improved public well being isn’t just the proper factor to do, it additionally highlights Canadian know-how, coaching, and experience.
Safety cooperation to enhance public security and administration of justice in Canada may scale back threats to Canada, given the intensive motion of individuals between the areas.
Collaboration in worldwide organisations such because the UN and the OAS would profit either side. CARICOM can have a G7 ally to assist advance its pursuits and Canada can anticipate CARICOM’s assist for its international coverage targets akin to selling democracy, fairness and human rights. In different areas, Canada stands to realize insights and assist as CARICOM strikes to extend hyperlinks with Africa, a area the place Canada is in search of to make extra vital inroads.
Over the previous a number of years, there have been vital will increase in engagement between CARICOM and Canada, together with common conferences with Ministers of Overseas Affairs, Commerce, and Improvement, and leaders met final 12 months in The Bahamas. Prime Minister Trudeau and Prime Ministers Mottley and Holness have assumed management roles collectively on a number of essential UN initiatives.
The subsequent vital step is a Canada-CARICOM Summit in Ottawa from October 17-19.
The Canada Caribbean Institute (CCI), based by The College of the West Indies (The UWI) and Canada’s Brock College and dedicated to learning Canada/Caribbean relations, is raring to see the summit realised. The Institute urges the leaders to construct on the legacy of the previous to set an agenda that enables CARICOM and Canada and to maneuver collectively as nearer companions into the longer term. It stands able to assist such an agenda.
