GEORGETOWN, Guyana, Thursday July 7, 2016 – The review of the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) Single Market Economy (CSME) free movement of labour, security and the budding relationship between Chile and the regional body were among the top priorities at the 37th Regular Meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of CARICOM which concluded yesterday.

Coming out of the meeting, it is expected that a review of the CSME and free movement mechanism will be undertaken as well as a multimedia campaign to educate Caribbean nationals on the workings of the movement, while there will be measures to boost regional security.

Those outcomes were announced by CARICOM Chairman, Prime Minister of Dominica Roosevelt Skerrit.

• CSME and Free Movement 

A decision was taken for a comprehensive review to be undertaken. The findings will be considered at the next Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Heads of Government, which will take place next February in Guyana.

“That is in an effort to take the process forward and not to change any of the decisions we have taken thus far. It will strengthen the integration process. In the meantime, we are going to intensify an educational media campaign in member states, aimed at all levels of society. The Programme will highlight the benefits and provisions of the CSME…We are fully committed to implementing the CSME regime as we are fully convinced that it’s our only option to achieving sustainable growth and development in the Caribbean region,” Prime Minister Skerrit said.

Among the significant issues raised were citizens’ concerns about their ability to take advantage of the free movement regime. Guyanese have over the years complained of the treatment meted out to them during this travels to various CARICOM states, while Jamaica is currently working to resolve their issues in that regard with Trinidad and Tobago.

“Even though the overwhelming majority of citizens are moving through the community without hindrance, we do have instances of denial of entry at our ports and this is a matter, we believe, has to be addressed and addressed urgently as we are aware of the negative views which surface when these instances occur,” Skerrit said.

Prime Minister of Jamaica Andrew Holness, during conference press conference held earlier in the evening, also spoke on the issue, noting that it is back on the agenda for CARICOM and it must be addressed. He has committed to engaging the Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago to begin the process of rectifying this, especially for his countrymen.

“The idea that the movement of people should be treated as equally as the movement of goods is one which I believe is now in the understanding of the CARICOM agreements. Before, most of the discussion was on the free movement of goods. Now, there is lobbying for all the Heads to recognise that the free movement of labour is important if this is to work,” Prime Minister Holness said.

• Security

Approval has been granted for a review of CARICOM’s Crime and Security Strategy (CCSS) to ensure that there is coordination between national security plans and the strategy as well as the signing of an arrest warrant treaty, which will see perpetrators of crime being arrested in any of the CARICOM states and deported back to their homeland to face prosecution.

“This, we believe, will enhance security of our region and is a matter in which Heads are fully in support of,” Prime Minister Skerrit said.

• Chile/ Guyana/ CARICOM Relations

The budding relations between Guyana, Chile and the Caribbean Community were also discussed at the Meeting since Chilean President Michelle Bachelet attended the Conference to discuss areas of cooperation and trade.

“We agreed to heighten political arrangements and that technical cooperation should be expanded through climate change, Sustainable Development Goals and trade cooperation,” co-host of the Conference, President David Granger of Guyana said.