By Radha Motielall
Caricom leaders are targeting March 21, 2024, as the deadline for achieving full implementation of free movement within the community under the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME).
After a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Caricom Heads are reinvigorating efforts to advance the CSME agenda.
They are prioritizing decisions that will benefit both regional businesses and citizens.
Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, the lead head for the CSME, highlights the agreement to pursue mutual recognition of companies across the community.
This move aims to streamline business operations and enhance regional trade.
To support this initiative, Caricom leaders have endorsed the creation of a common digital platform, with the Prime Minister of Grenada tasked with overseeing its development.
Additionally, there is a renewed commitment to launching regional capital markets, a move deemed critical for attracting investments.
Prime Minister Mottley emphasizes that the realization of these objectives must be followed by ensuring free movement of people within the community.
To this end, specific tasks have been mandated, with a deadline set for March 15.
The heads will convene to finalize the process by March 31, aiming to remove the existing six-month restriction on free movement.
While not all Caricom member states are parties to the CSME, and some have requested exemptions, the overarching goal remains to facilitate seamless movement and integration within the region.
Through these concerted efforts, Caricom is poised to advance its commitment to regional cooperation and economic integration, fostering greater mobility and opportunities for its citizens.