If you recall, there was some discussion of that issue at the Sao Paulo meeting.  There is widespread sentiment in the Caribbean that the historic linkage to Latin America in multilateral relations and organizations has been at the expense of Caribbean interests; they say “and Caribbean” tends to mean just that, almost an afterthought.

Beyond the emotional response, the arguments for a separate Caribbean identity tend to be energized by the language and cultural differences + the socioeconomic indicators that are more aligned with those of so-called Small Island States [SIDS in the UN Lexicon!].

We have seen at least one ALS in the recent past voice strong opinions for a separate Caribbean identity with respect to the ICANN Geographic Regions.  I suspect there are other views that might be elicited.

Carlton.

[Spanish Version]

Si usted recuerda, había alguna discusión de ese asunto en la reunión de Sao Paulo. Hay sentimiento esparcido en el Caribe que la unión histórica a Iberoamérica en relaciones y organizaciones multilaterales ha estado a costa de intereses Caribes; ellos dicen "y Caribe" tiende a significar apenas eso, casi una reflexión.

Más allá de la respuesta emocional, los argumentos para una identidad Caribe separada tienden a ser vigorizados por el idioma y diferencias culturales + los indicadores socioeconómicas que más son alineados con ésos de Pequeños Estados llamados de la Isla [SIDS en el Léxico de NNUU!].

Hemos visto por lo menos un AL en el pasado reciente expresan las opiniones fuertes para una identidad caribe separada con respecto al ICANN las Regiones Geográficas. Sospecho hay otras vistas que quizás sean sacadas.

Carlton

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From: lac-als-bounces@atlarge-lists.icann.org [mailto:lac-als-bounces@atlarge-lists.icann.org] On Behalf Of Nick Ashton-Hart
Sent: Wednesday, February 07, 2007 8:41 AM
To: alac@atlarge-lists.icann.org
Cc: uaew@eim.ae
Subject: [LAC-ALS] [ALAC] ACTION ITEM: Consultation on makeup of ICANN Regions underway

Just a reminder, there is an open consultation on the Geographic Regions of ICANN, and whether the regions should be changed.

The At-Large community's views would be welcomed - this point was actually reinforced to me today by Paul Twomey amongst others.

Might I suggest at least two points which could be communicated, these two points being ones I have heard mentioned by others, and not being personal observations?

1) Some member-states of the European Union are located in regions outside of Europe, which ought to be changed. In fact, candidate states of the EU might also be better situated within the European region than in others (Turkey comes to mind as an obvious example of this);
2) The Asia-Pacific region is currently enormous. I have heard it said in particular that some representatives of Middle-Eastern groups believe it ought to be a region of it's own, not in the APAC region.

For the full text of the consultation announcement, please visit http://www.icann.org/announcements/announcement-rev-28nov06.htm.
--
Regards,

Nick Ashton-Hart
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