The two papers are an expression of our concerns and ideas about the liberalization of trade and investment in our hemisphere. We are directing both papers to our Ministers of Trade, and through them, to the Heads of Government of all nations of the hemisphere. We refuse to be mere spectators of decisions that are so influential and broad in scope. The foundations of any agreement on economic integration affecting our hemisphere must be anchored in transparency, participation and information available to the general public, as the basis of cooperation amongst our peoples. Despite the promises that these changes are good for all of us, the gap between rich and poor has become wider.
Poverty also has a stubborn presence in the Caribbean and even in the United States and Canada.
For the rest of us, it has meant more social, economic, and political exclusion. Many countries of our region are currently in economic crisis and environmental degradation is acute. Millions of small farmers have lost their livelihoods, and food security has worsened. Unemployment is growing in several countries, and there has been a decline in job security throughout the region. Our social welfare, health care, and environmental protection systems have been under attack by the proponents of privatization and liberalization.