CARICOM HEADS TO HAVE ROBUST DISCUSSIONS ON ADVANCING CSME 

CARICOM HEADS TO HAVE ROBUST DISCUSSIONS ON ADVANCING CSME 

Basseterre, St. Kitts, February 26, 2019 (SKNIS): Efforts to strengthen the advancement of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) will continue following recent developments that promote the free movement of people, goods, services and capital, and robust discussions slated for the 30^thInter-Sessional Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

The CSME is designed to deepen economic integration among member states of the Caribbean Community by creating a single economic space for the production of competitive goods and services among participating members.

In December last year, Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community expanded the category of skilled workers who can move freely to include agricultural workers, security guards, beauticians, and barbers.

At today’s (Tuesday, February 26, 2019) opening of the two-day Inter-Sessional Meeting being held at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, outgoing CARICOM Chair and Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, said “these are significant elements that will help to debunk the myths that the free movement of skilled personnel caters only for a few.”

The development was one of several key outcomes from the 18^th Special Meeting of Heads held in Trinidad on December 03 and 04, 2018. The focus was on the CSME and resulted in the St. Anne Declaration on CSME.

Other outcomes included allowing a greater voice for private sector and labour; greater collaboration between CARICOM and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS); public procurement and mutual recognition of member states’ incorporated companies; and recommitment to national action to further CSME implementation.

Also in 2018, the establishment of the Protocol on Contingent Rights was finalized to allow dependents of persons with approved Skills Certificates to move freely with their loved ones and access to basic social services.

CARICOM Chair, Prime Minister Dr. the Honourable Timothy Harris of St. Kitts and Nevis noted that unity of purpose is needed “to make the CSME the vehicle that we want to propel our sustainable development and make a positive impact on the lives of the people of the Community.”

During the two-day summit at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort, delegates will seek to ratify decisions made from the meeting last December as well as consider other related matters.