This introductory text provides a comprehensive source of information on the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and its people. It locates the region and people of CARICOM within the wider hemispheric and global community, and traces key developments that led to the establishment of CARIFTA, later CARICOM and beyond that, the significant initiatives being taken to strengthen the Community, most notably the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). Equally important, the book describes in detail, the history and the structure and functioning of our Community. It also highlights the many issues and initiatives on which the Community has focused over time as well as the major subjects on its current agenda, explaining their actual and potential impact on our people. It also points to future challenges.