The contemporary Caribbean scenario is one in which the region is grappling with endemic poverty, the second highest incidence of HIV/AIDS infection in the world; the scourge of narco-trafficking and addiction, the phenomenon of 'uprootedness' as persons - for various reasons - are internally displaced or move from one territory to the other in search of work and a better life.

Recent data for the region estimate that 360,000 adults and children were living with AIDS; of new AIDS cases, a growing number are women and AIDS is the leading cause of death among 15 to 45 year-olds - with a high case fatality of 63%. Increasingly, the social, economic and development import of HIV/AIDS is being recognized:- loss of productivity in the labour force, an increase in the number of orphans whose parents have succumbed to AIDS.

Food Security continues to be a major issue for the region, especially in the wake of Globalization, and the impending implementation of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) in 2005. Some countries in the region remain a hotbed of ever volatile and violent political instability.

Domestic violence and drug related crimes are also on the increase, while natural disasters continue to pose a threat to developmental processes in the Region. Given the present scenario, the CCC has devised and adopted a new approach.

It is one that can be described as holistic, multi-disciplinary, multi-sectoral and one which - given the pan Caribbean spread of its membership - takes into account the comparative advantages of the organization in responding to social issues. With regard to programme implementation, the preferred modus operandi of the CCC is engagement with its member Churches through their already exisiting institutions and agencies (i.e.. ecclesial engagement ), and strengthening of their initiatives (i.e. accompaniment ).

It is an effort to ensure:
(a) the optimum use of the collective resources of its member churches; and
(b) replication of best practice while gleaning learnings from the challenges that present themselves.

Few other organizations, in the current context, have the base or the reach and ability of the CCC to effectively and efficiently deliver human and social development programmes and projects. By their very nature, the churches, as civil society actors, are well-poised to have a real, sustainable and positive impact on some of these seemingly intractable social problems.