Will Caricom enjoy the same relations with President Raul Castro?

But how much were these ties built around the personality of Fidel Castro?

Will a new regime in Havana mean a new era in relations between Cuba and Caricom?

Several Caricom leaders have paid glowing tributes to Fidel Castro and have spoken of continuing ties with the communist island.

How should Caricom structure it's relations with Cuba under new president Raul Castro?

It is time for CARICOM leaders to reach out to Cuba, because we have much to gain from them. It is time for Cuba to be a part of CARICOM, because only then will the Caribbean be able to compete with the world

Myra

Nevis

Cuba is the 800lb gorilla in CARICOM's room. If the issue of Cuba's future is not realized or confronted CARICOM stands to lose and lose big. The region has more to gain from Cuba than Cuba stands to gain from the region; leaders of CARICOM must do their best to reach out to the leaders in Havana and bring them into the system as soon as possible.

The U.S, especially the Cubans in South Florida, are waiting with dripping lips to lap up Cuba's potential and with NAFTA about to be renegotiated, the time is prime for CARICOM to reach out to Cuba and welcome her into the Caribbean community. El presidente Raul Castro has given signs of a more open policy and CARICOM must reach out.

Craig Johnson

Atlanta

Cuba, like Norway and Trinidad and Tobago, have huge potential for offshore oil development. Raul should link with Statoil and State financiers from Singapore, UAE, Dubai and Brunei to build platforms and develop their Gulf oil riches. Cuban oil potentially can modernize Cuban agriculture and industry and bring the nation into the forefront in a generation.

Larry Hallatt

Chesley, Canada

The USA is going to try to move in on Cuba by offering to lift the embargo. Unless Caricom moves fast to try to get Cuba into the fold, so to speak, it might find itself irrelevant to Cuba's interests. US dollars are very tempting

Kevin

Taunton, UK

Cuba must now become a full member of CARICOM, hence allowing CARICOM to compete with the world. CARICOM needs action, and it does not seem anyone in CARICOM is ready for the development that CARICOM needs. Cuba has resources, both human and financial, to move CARICOM to developed status. Cuba should have full membership now, before the Dominican Republic

Howard Foster

Toronto, Canada

Yes I think that there will be change, and even more so when Fidel finally passes away.

And if there is sweeping economic reform, this could mean economic doom for all of the Caricom member states. Caricom must realize this, and stymie any attempt to transition to a Democracy. Cuba has countless decades of untapped natural resources. Nickel, coffee, bauxite, sugar and, possibly, oil. Because of Cuba's vast population of workers and professionals, Cuba can outperform and out produce EVERY Caricom member. And the precious tourism product could be hi-jacked. The Bahamas, especially, should watch out. When you put all your eggs in the same basket what happens? Cuba could emerge as a world power. The low peso will attract international firms and factories. Cuba's armies have the only real war experience post WW2. A la Angola and logistics for Ethiopia in the war with Eritrea. The world would love the reform. Caricom will dread the same reforms

Renegade

Ohio, USA