Renewed Drive to Tackle CSME Issues
Under the Chairmanship of Prime Minister Andrew Holness, there has been renewed impetus by CARICOM Countries to tackle critical issues confronting the regional body.
Yesterday, at the Ninth Meeting of the Prime Ministerial Sub Committee on the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), the agenda items covered free movement of persons, skills, services and establishment, the role of the Private Sector and Labour, Travel Facilitation, with an automatic six month stay, and Contingent Rights.
Heads pressed to move forward decisions from the Montego Bay Conference and to ensure that frameworks are in place to consistently monitor implementation of commitments by Member States.
Tuesday’s meeting of Regional Finance Ministers as part of the Sixth Special Meeting of the Council for Finance and Planning COFAP, had fruitful discussions relating to the alignment of regional economic policies including region-wide deposit insurance and credit bureaus.
Importantly, great strides were made pertaining to the alignment of regional procurement policies which will allow CARICOM citizens to take advantage of procurement opportunities across the region.
Six heads of government attended today’s meeting signaling their commitment to resolving the issues impeding the success of the CSME.
Prime Minister Andrew Holness and Foreign Minister Kamina Johnson Smith have expressed satisfaction with the pace of discussion.