The overall economic performance of Caribbean countries has declined markedly in recent times. The weak export performance of these trade-oriented economies is highlighted as the principal factor responsible for the economic deterioration. The author attempts to identify the major determinants of their export performance. Two alternative approaches to this issue are adopted, the Feder model and an alternate, which suggests the important nexus between foreign exchange, needed imports and exports. The role of government institutions and their influence on exchange rates are also analyzed. Scholars in economic development, Latin America, as well as international financial institutions will find this comprehensive study on the English speaking Caribbean countries of Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados a useful tool.

The papers in these volumes inevitably chart the course of Sir Alister's professional life and . . . I marvel at the prodigious output of his intellectual journey." -Sir Shridath Ramphal, former Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, Common wealth Secretary General, Chairman of the West Indian Commission and Director-General of the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery. Sir Alister's deep interest such as human resource development, education, training and the capacity to deal with the challenges of change in the 21st century, are all deftly addressed in his many contributions to scholarship." "What distinguished McIntyre from many of his colleagues was not only the technical brilliance of his writing on trade and economics, but his equally perceptive understanding of the role of human resources in the building of a sustainable livelihood in small developing states. These papers reflect the vision of one who was committed to creating an economic space to facilitate the movement of economic factors, goods, services skills and human resources." -The Most Honourable Professor Sir Kenneth Hall, Former Principal and Pro Vice-Chancellor, University of the West Indies, Mona Campus.

The papers in these volumes inevitably chart the course of Sir Alister's professional life and . . . I marvel at the prodigious output of his intellectual journey." -Sir Shridath Ramphal, former Chancellor of the University of the West Indies, Common wealth Secretary General, Chairman of the West Indian Commission and Director-General of the Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery. Sir Alister held an unswerving belief that the only workable pathway for the survival of the small countries of the Caribbean was through a strategy of regional integration that would combine the synergies of the individual countries of the region into a collective whole. He was quite insistent about youth participation and either devised or supported various initiatives to encourage a younger generation of scholars to participate directly in the regional integration project. He held numerous consultations, commissioned a number of technical studies from university scholars, the private sector and governmental institutions and developed structured negotiating positions (through his blue and red negotiating books) to enable the region to speak with one voice and hold a common position in the international community." -Dr. Shelton Nicholls, Senior Advisor to the President, Caribbean Development Bank.