Integrate or Perish: Perspectives of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community and Commonwealth Caribbean Countries 1963-2002

This publication of the speeches and addresses of the statesmen and leaders of the Caribbean Community ranks as a major development in the life of the integration movement. It is the first time that these speeches, covering a period of more than 30 years – 1963 to 2000, will be available to the Caribbean public in a single volume. These speeches reveal how the Caribbean leaders, prompted by the existing historical circumstances, pushed for integration and unity; how they were undeterred by the failure of the Federation; how they faced the challenges provided by the economic crisis of the 80s; how they responded with ideas and new institutions; and how they sought to ensure the Community’s adequate preparation for the new millennium. Putting these speeches into the public domain will enable the population of the Community to have a front row seat at the drama of the unfolding integration process.