Does the Caribbean need a fresh approach to its diplomacy?

For some years now, several smaller Caribbean governments have been interested in increasing the number of shared embassies overseas in which one Ambassador represents several nations. The idea principally arises out of a desire to make cost savings when it comes to establishing a presence in second tier nations which for political or economic reasons a group of nations want representation in.

For example, OECS Heads of Government recently agreed to establish a joint embassy in Morocco and to reopen their joint diplomatic representation in Ottawa; albeit with no explanation or detail on how either embassy might operate or be financed.

Despite this, for most Caribbean governments, the idea of joint representation remains difficult to justify. This is largely because of their inability to agree on multiple foreign policy issues, including relations with China or backing for Venezuela. Ministers and diplomats also argue that in the absence of any Caribbean political and economic union, even the smallest nations continue to need to make their own case bilaterally, vote independently, and be able to address separately their own Diaspora.