Before there was West Indies Cricket, which seems to date back to somewhere between the 1880s and the 1890s, there was an established game, dating back to the end of the 16th century, albeit the rules have changed over time. What is noteworthy is that the game of cricket offered a point of convergence for participating Caribbean nations, which by the 1970s became a global phenomenon. It was magical. But the 1990s came and the glory faded.

As I contemplate the challenge of CARICOM I wonder if what we lack is a clear definition of purpose; that point of convergence that cricket offered West Indian cricketers. Thoughts of a single market and economy are obviously too vague to allow for a clear path to be plotted. It seems to me that we need to decide on a few key things.

Defining our terms

First, we need to decide whether we merely want to have access to each other's markets, or do we want to, as one unit, access global markets, or do we want both. Once we decide on the direction we can more easily define our terms.

Second, we will need to decide on specific goods and services we propose to take to our target markets. This decision is going to be based on demonstrated ability to compete. The industry must be globally viable as well.

Third, the business minds are the ones who really should be leading this effort. They should try to forge these relations, and based on challenges inform respective governments what needs to be done.

University role

Not to be left out is the role of our universities. We can ill-afford not to require the University of Technology or UWI St Augustine to lead the pact in making energy more affordable in the region. What of the fact that for so many consecutive years Northern Caribbean University has made it to the finals of the Microsoft Imagine Cup competition - global competition? Are we missing an excellent opportunity for the region once again, to create magic?

So rather than another CARICOM Summit I think there should be a series of conferences that bring together the academic and business minds throughout the region; let ideas flow, let a true free market work, and let the magic happen.

I am, etc.,

CHARLES EVANS

charock01@yahoo.com