Who We Are
An intergovernmental organisation created via Convention in 1994 to facilitate consultation, cooperation and concerted action at a regional level amongst its 25 signatory Member States and 10 Associate members, premised on a multilateralism that respects sovereignty and a unity that respects diversity.
What We Do
Promote a more integrated Latin American -Caribbean space- the Greater Caribbean –committed to sustainable development in 5 focal areas
The Caribbean Sea is considered the ‘common patrimony of the peoples of the Caribbean and the ACS is mandated to pursue its preservation and conservation through advocacy for its global recognition as a special area in the context of sustainable development for future generations and by developing and implementing a work plan that ensures that the productive activities that it facilitates, including trade, transport and tourism are pursued in an environmentally sustainable manner.
This focal area has become one of the most relevant for the ACS and is receiving increasing attention, given the intensifying and more frequent creasing challenges triggered by the impact of Climate Change notably increased sea level and temperatures, changes in currents, rain patterns, winds, and in the intensity and frequency of tropical storms, hurricanes, and natural phenomena.
Although the ACS does not aim for economic integration, it does try to facilitate trade and coordinate economic external relations amongst its stakeholders. In this day and age, this takes a new form; that of improving and integrating processes and promoting digital transformation in the region. Trade facilitation has many challenges because of different legal and regulatory frameworks, so the ACS has included in its Action Plan several strategic objectives to simplify processes amongst its membership.
The ACS provides a space for the dialogue and cooperation necessary to further advance economic integration and intra-regional trade and investment, thereby improving the economic competitiveness of the Greater Caribbean region.
The Greater Caribbean has always been exposed to disasters resulting from natural phenomena. Climate Change has increased the frequency and intensity of these natural phenomena, which has had a very significant impact on the economic and social well-being of the population.
This focal area has also evolved from early warning systems that mitigate the impact of disasters, to other more encompassing policy that require high level actions, as is the support for the development of a Multi-Dimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI), or the inception of a new global financial architecture that would be more responsive to the adaptation needs of the region to the changes caused by the Climate effects resulting from the emissions of green-house gases (GHGs) The continued vulnerability of all countries and territories of the Greater Caribbean to the physical ravages and economically crippling consequences of natural phenomena is a theme of the utmost importance on the regional agenda.
In a region so geographically dispersed as is the Greater Caribbean, connectivity is fundamental and critical for not only economic development but also socio- cultural cross-fertilisation.
The ACS coordinates efforts to improve all modes of transport, their respective infrastructure, and processes so that the movement of cargo and people can be carried out in the most seamless and economic manner.;The proper functioning of efficient and viable intraregional air and maritime routes not only facilitates closer intraregional relations but represents a fundamental base in the achievement of cooperation in the aforementioned areas.
For decades, tourism has been one of the most important economic pillars for the region.For the ACS, this focal area has a dual importance.Economic, because of the activity it generates, but also for the social and environmental dimensions which encompass the new concept of sustainability.Achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the context of preserving and conserving the Caribbean Sea is the new paradigm for the Greater Caribbean Region.
Why We Do It
Greater Caribbean leaders want to create a better, more secure, prosperous and sustainable future for their citizens- a future that leaves no-one behind. They recognize that the Region faces challenges and has access to opportunities to secure such a future that are best addressed at a regional rather than sub-regional or national levels.
How We Do It
Greater Caribbean leaders, led by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) conceived a multilateral cooperation entity that would leverage a representative governance structure to consult and consensually pursue cooperation.
What is the Greater Caribbean?
Geographically, it is every territory that the Caribbean Sea touches, From the North, it sweeps down the islands to Trinidad, then across the lush forests of Suriname and Guyana… all through the savannahs and coasts of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, over the Cordillera Central, travelling up the Central American isthmus, to the Gulf of Mexico.
Conceptually, it embraces and recognizes the shared historical and socio-cultural affinities of the islands, isthmus, and continent of Latin America and the Caribbean that collectively comprise and distinguish Caribbean civilization. From the earliest days of indigenous natives, through the periods of colonialism and slavery, to emancipation and independence, the region's identity has been profoundly shaped shared but differentiated historical experiences, and related complex migratory flows. These have played a significant role in shaping Caribbean identity. Migratory flows continue to the present day with movements induced by labor opportunities, climatic changes, and geopolitical and geo-economic shifts. However, perhaps no factor more poignantly unifies these diverse elements of identity than the Caribbean Sea, by whose name the citizens of this unique part of the world are universally known.
The Greater Caribbean is therefore a concept that lays the foundation for the solidarity of its constituent nations and territories and the cooperation they undertake under the aegis of the ACS.