Conference on the Caribbean.

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IN THE FEW DECADES since most of them achieved independence, the nations of the Caribbean have made "impressive" strides, achieving high levels of economic, institutional, and social development. Nonetheless, as small states they remain inherently vulnerable, OAS Secretary General Jose Miguel Insulza said.

"This vulnerability arises from an inherent exposure to adverse external shocks that are beyond the control of the countries, including energy price shocks, natural disasters, strains posed by migration, the effect of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, and the adverse effects of climate change," Insulza told a conference in June. While such vulnerabilities cannot be eliminated altogether, he added, the Caribbean countries and their development partners--including the OAS--can promote policies that bolster resilience and help the region respond to and recover from these external shocks.

The Secretary General spoke at the opening of the "Conference on the Caribbean: A 20/20 Vision," an initiative that brought together the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) heads of government and foreign ministers with their US counterparts in Washington, June 19-21.

In an address at World Bank headquarters, Insulza highlighted some of the positive policies many Caribbean governments have been implementing to promote macroeconomic stability, market efficiency, good governance, social development, and sound environmental management. In particular, he commended the region for its move to create the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, saying this would help lead to sustained economic growth.

Among other events, the OAS also hosted a seminar for Caribbean journalists on the margins of the CARICOM-US Summit.