Your thoughts on the Caribbean Single Market

[Chicokid]

MY THOUGHTS ON THE CSME SO FAR

Reality check, the CSME will be here in about 5 months time. Are we really ready to handle it :icon_ques

One of the benefits is that persons will no longer be restricted to their own country. They can travel to another Caricom country and be treated exactly like a citizen in that particular country. Advantage for persons who want to set up businesses across the region or who may be in need of a qualified jobs and so on.

Problems :icon_ques We must be ready for such. If persons are not pyschologically ready to deal with the CSME they would be a loss cause. Already I seeing those Trinis starting to take over Grenada. They own a couple banks and some other companies. They even buying lands and properties. I suspect that what may happen is that persons from Caribbean economies with low currencies and high crime rates (Jamaica, Trinidad and Guyana) may start flocking the OECS and Barbados. I ain't discriminating against Jamaicans, Trinis and Guyaneses ;) As it stands now, Barbados is VERY OVER POPULATED with roughly 270,000 persons :icon_eek: Places like Guyana and Grenada are under populated.

In conclusion, the Caribbean nation must educate himself about the CSME and the pros and cons about it. In order to survive, persons must act very competitive as this new CSME order requires that for survival.

[Chris]

Excellent points made Chicokid. I must confess that I know very little in detail about the CSME, only what it is basically.

In Jamaica we're already seeing the Trinis buying out like it's a garage sale. I say good for them. If opportunities present themselves then jump at it. They should however not place obstacles in the paths of Jamaicans when we go to Trinidad to invest. Fair is fair.

I have also heard murmuring by officials of at least one Caribbean country that they have problems with Jamaican criminals trying to get into their country. They were saying that the Caribbean community should be sharing info on deportees, but they have had to rely on info from the US justice system on Jamaican deportees.

With all that is being said about the CSME, I think that in the initail stages it won't be as level a playing field as we would wish for in theory.

[Arch_Angel]

So why are they worrying about Jamaican criminals? Is only Jamaica have criminals in the Caribbean?

I also have not heard of CSME niether know what it does. But from Chico's post I get a general idea. At first it sounds look a good idea but the disadvantages you posted sounds like it might not be good either.

Where did the need for this arise from?

[Chicokid]

So why are they worrying about Jamaican criminals? Is only Jamaica have criminals in the Caribbean?

I also have not heard of CSME niether know what it does. But from Chico's post I get a general idea. At first it sounds look a good idea but the disadvantages you posted sounds like it might not be good either.

Where did the need for this arise from?

Well Jamaica has the highest crime rate in the Caribbean. Even my mom say she ain't going JA for no reason... :icon_eek: Even with all the high crime rate, I must commend JA for having the highest tourism rate in the Caribbean ;)

Every thing has its ups and downs and so does the CSME..but hopefully it would generate more advantages than disadvantages.

Why was the CSME formed :icon_ques Actually to make the Caribbean region more competitive. Bigger countries like those in Europe are comming together so why not small economies like ours In case you don't know the FREE TRADE OF THE AMERICAS (FTAA) is comming too (dunno exact date but I think it's probably about 2007). That includes North America, Latin America and the Caribbean. With the FTAA port taxes will be reduced even eliminated completely meaning that Governments will have to find alternatives for revenue, expect some new taxes. Like CSME, FTAA also provides avenues for persons wanting to invest in other countries. Under these new rules globalization and liberization is essential for 21st century survival. Example: The World Trade Organisation recommend that Caribbean countries liberised their respective telecom sectors which in turn bring more investors to this field and greater competition. Now when you have large economies like USA and Canada wanting to invest, how would persons in smaller economics survive and be more competitive? The CSME was formed because of this. It makes the region on a whole "stand up" to the pressures and competitions of facing first world economies

HOPE THAT HELPS A BIT :)

[Arch_Angel]

Thanks. It does. :)
I didn't know Jamaica had the highest crime rate in the Caribbean.

But despite the high crime rate, we still have the highest tourism rate. That seems to contradict each other. Is it that we are keeping the violence away from the tourist areas?

Then maybe the rest of the craibbean countries can learn a thing or two about how to attract tourists. :D

[Chris]

I didn't know Jamaica had the highest crime rate in the Caribbean.

You didn't know? As a matter of fact we're in the top 5 countries with high murder rates ... http://www.nationmaster.com/graph-T/cri_mur_cap

[Chicokid]

So South Africa has fallen to number 2 behind Columbia...interesting.

I can't believe JA is # 3 in the world :icon_eek: ..you guys should really do something to change that :icon_cry:

[BlackCryptoKnight]

What will the CSME mean for the employment scene in the Caribbean? Will there be increased opportunities for say Jamaicans to get jobs in Trinidad etc.?

[Chicokid]

What will the CSME mean for the employment scene in the Caribbean? Will there be increased opportunities for say Jamaicans to get jobs in Trinidad etc.?

Of course...once you are living within the CSME, you can go to any other CSME country and easily obtain a job or start your own business just like if you were a member of that country. :)

I think that CARICOM will also launch a common passport for CSME residents (I may be wrong). In the OECS region, you don't need a passport to travel within the OECS. Once you have some form of identification like ID card, Birth Certificate, Driver's license, etc...you are accepted. Plus you can stay up to six months in any country, but you can't work without a work permit.

[Greatis]

What will the CSME mean for the employment scene in the Caribbean? Will there be increased opportunities for say Jamaicans to get jobs in Trinidad etc.?

Hmm not quite... There will actually be less opportunities both here in Jamaica and in the wider caribbean... The literacy rate in the other caribbean islands is much higher than Jamaica... You will find the masters and phd's flooding our island hmmm not such a good thing... It would mean that we would have to improve our education system for our people to compete... :icon_frow

[BlackCryptoKnight]

Just got this from someone at the PSOJ:


As you may be aware, Jamaica has committed to implementing the CARICOM Single Market & Economy (CSME) by December 31st 2004, which is merely months away!

With this in mind the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ) and the Portmore Chamber of Commerce, extend a special invitation to you to attend a town meeting to discuss the CSME on Thursday October 21, 2004 from 7.00 p.m. to 9.00 p.m. at the Portmore Missionary Conference Hall, Cecille Avenue, Portmore. This is at absolutely no cost to you.

The Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, the Honourable K.D. Knight will deliver the main address and will field questions from the public. Come and listen to the experts and get answers to frequently asked questions:

- What does the CSME mean for me and how will I benefit?

- How will the CSME affect the way I do business?

- What effect will the CSME have on my sector?

- What will my rights as a CARICOM national be under the CSME?

Please feel free to circulate among your colleagues, staff and members, who reside and work in Portmore. Remember, the CSME will affect us ALL.

Other meetings will be held in St. Catherine, Montego Bay and Negril in November.

[Greatis]

I think I will need to be at the one in Montego Bay.

[Arch_Angel]

Did anyone go to the meetings?

CARICOM also announced that they are delaying the CSME for another 12 months. So it won't be implemented till December 2005.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

Here's an article on the CSME (http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20050110/cleisure/cleisure1.html) from the Gleaner.

[Nastro]

Let me address this issue of employment.

What you are going to find is that the caribbean is going to become specialized, that is, if you want the best of something you are going to have to go to a particular island. So then, the best teachers are going to end up in one region, best carpenters are going to end up in another and so on. This will happen as persons strive to achieve more in the market and become more profitable.

With this in mind there are many islands which will now have positions available in varying areas, yet you may be looked on only as an apprentise in the field. This has its ups as you can consider this as an entry level to that profession and gaining experience.


So its not necessarily a provision of more jobs but and more of a shift.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

Let me address this issue of employment.

What you are going to find is that the caribbean is going to become specialized, that is, if you want the best of something you are going to have to go to a particular island. So then, the best teachers are going to end up in one region, best carpenters are going to end up in another and so on. This will happen as persons strive to achieve more in the market and become more profitable.

Why would this be so? What is it that would make particular skillsets gravitate toward specific islands?



With this in mind there are many islands which will now have positions available in varying areas, yet you may be looked on only as an apprentise in the field. This has its ups as you can consider this as an entry level to that profession and gaining experience.

I'd think that the level you come into the job at would determine whether you are viewed as a junior person or not. The fact that you're from another island shouldn't really factor into that.



So its not necessarily a provision of more jobs but and more of a shift.

There'll definitely be a shift, but it can provide more jobs. There are islands with shortages of certain skills. There are islands where unemployment is high and there aren't enough opportunities for the people there. The CSME may help to balance that out - hopefully.

[Nastro]

The value placed on certain professions is what will cause the shift. eg. Teachers make more in island A, Carpenters make more in island B as such the best will strive to be in that batch.



I'd think that the level you come into the job at would determine whether you are viewed as a junior person or not. The fact that you're from another island shouldn't really factor into that.

Idealistic, not reality. I will give you an example. If you were to say be a I.T. teacher at an urban High school for 6 years and someone else was an I.T. teacher at a very rural school for the same period, who do you think would be higher rated?

The shift doesn't provide more jobs, it makes them more accessible in some areas while more competitive in others.


4 + 3 = 7

if you turn it around

3 + 4 = 7

mix it up

2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 7

5 + 2 = 7

6 + 1 = 7

Same result, just different calculations.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

The value placed on certain professions is what will cause the shift. eg. Teachers make more in island A, Carpenters make more in island B as such the best will strive to be in that batch.

Pay isn't the only factor that will influence people to take a job somewhere, though it is a major consideration.


Idealistic, not reality. I will give you an example. If you were to say be a I.T. teacher at an urban High school for 6 years and someone else was an I.T. teacher at a very rural school for the same period, who do you think would be higher rated?

The one whose employment contract places then at a more senior level is the one who is higher rated, so to speak. Of course, the perceptions of others may differ, and they may view the new person as being less seasoned, but that is of no consequence in terms of the actual terms and conditions of employment.

When people take up jobs, they usually take up specific positions at specific levels with specific responsibilities. Sure, people will have more experience than others, but if you are hired as a manager in company X, then that's different thing from being hired as a supervisor at the same company.



The shift doesn't provide more jobs, it makes them more accessible in some areas while more competitive in others.


4 + 3 = 7

if you turn it around

3 + 4 = 7

mix it up

2 + 2 + 2 + 1 = 7

5 + 2 = 7

6 + 1 = 7

Same result, just different calculations.

Ok, so the thinking is not that more jobs will be created, but opportunities may open up for people in areas where opportunities are scarce.

Consider though, that if companies expand their operations to other Caribbean islands, as some are planning to do with the advent of CSME (KPMG has started positioning themselves to do this), it will mean that more jobs will be created within these companies in the areas where they expand to.

[Nastro]

When people take up jobs, they usually take up specific positions at specific levels with specific responsibilities. Sure, people will have more experience than others, but if you are hired as a manager in company X, then that's different thing from being hired as a supervisor at the same company.

This does not address bias' in any realm. Here you are comparing different experience types and different levels of employment. My example compares geographic location. These are stereotypes that we have to take into consideration because they are a reality. Although its effects may vary depending on the job at hand.


Another example:

If you were to employ a Tourism Manager for your company and you got 2 applicants that both had similar Management experiences. One is from Bahamas and one is from Haiti. Which would you be inclined to choose, assuming that the performed similarly in the interviews. (again only difference is location).

[Bahama Mama]

As we all know formation of the CSME is set to come on stream this year. Does anyone from the other Caribbean islands have a concern about the affects this may have on the national interests of each of the CARICOM member states. Here in the Bahamas, that is ths major concern held by many of the citizens, and I am wondering if this was a general sentiment all throughout the Caribbean. Though I recognize that the main goal of the CSME is that of the regional interest.

[Chicokid]

As far as I am concerned the CSME provides many opportunities for the educated men/women of the region to freely move around in any member state. This means that there won't be little room for the uneducated persons in the region.

An officially signing ceremony is to be held in Guyana on Feb. 19 in which the more developed islands, Jamaica, Barbados and Trinidad & Tobago will take the lead in removing their barriers. Other Caricom states will join them by the end of 2005.

Countries like the Cayman Islands, Turks and Caicos and Anguilla (British dependancies) are not members of Caricom I think.

[Bahama Mama]

Yes I am aware of all of that. So basically the sentiment in the region is Yes to the CSME?

[Bahama Mama]

Also do you think that the establishment of the CSME, will put a halt on Caricom citizens leaving the region and heading to the United States and Canada tol ive and work? The so called 'brain drain'.

[Greatis]

hmmm well I have done some thinking on this issue. Some one even mentioned to me that well educated people can travel around the region already unrestricted so the CSME is not necessarily going to make it easier.

[Chicokid]

I have one concern and that's with the constant delay of the launch of the CSME. At least the CCJ was launched a couple months ago. Also The delay is causing frustration by the OECS. The OECS wants to issue a common passport to identify its residents as OECS members. CSME wants the same thing as well. At least if you are an OECS resident like me, you don't need a passport to travel to another OECS. Any form of ID like Driver License, ID card, birth certificate, etc... can be used.

[Master E]

I have one concern and that's with the constant delay of the launch of the CSME. At least the CCJ was launched a couple months ago. Also The delay is causing frustration by the OECS. The OECS wants to issue a common passport to identify its residents as OECS members. CSME wants the same thing as well. At least if you are an OECS resident like me, you don't need a passport to travel to another OECS. Any form of ID like Driver License, ID card, birth certificate, etc... can be used.
Hmmmm thats kinda cool :eusa_thin

[BlackCryptoKnight]

I'm hearing now that there is the view that in order for the CSME to work, there would need to be political union among the members as well ie. Federation as was attempted many decades ago. It will be interesting to see how that will play out.

[Nastro]

I'm hearing now that there is the view that in order for the CSME to work, there would need to be political union among the members as well ie. Federation as was attempted many decades ago. It will be interesting to see how that will play out.


BCK I don't know why these people running from progress.....North America did it and became the United States of American..... Europe did it and has formed the EU. Africa and Asia did it (although this in a kind of transformational mode). In none of these instance we saw so much headache or resistance. Even more so, in non of these cases has it been non profitable.

I tell you its a hell of a thing when Field slave turn kitchen slave.

[Bahama Mama]

BCK I don't know why these people running from progress.....North America did it and became the United States of American..... Europe did it and has formed the EU. Africa and Asia did it (although this in a kind of transformational mode). In none of these instance we saw so much headache or resistance. Even more so, in non of these cases has it been non profitable.

I tell you its a hell of a thing when Field slave turn kitchen slave.

Can one really compare CSME to that of the EU or even the US, though it is the same idea fundamentally. Europe is and has been for decades a very wealthy and developed group of countries. Such a union apart from political resitance would be more likely to suceed. The US fought a civil war, before they all 'united'. The African Union has not been a great sucess becasue of the great poverty and conflicts plaguing that continent.


I am not saying that CSME cant suceed, but compared to Europe and the US, we are a developing region. I dont know why the West Indies Federation did not suceed, but it would be worthwhile to go back and study why, and see if it will be the same factor in CSME.

[Nastro]

Can one really compare CSME to that of the EU or even the US, though it is the same idea fundamentally. Europe is and has been for decades a very wealthy and developed group of countries. Such a union apart from political resitance would be more likely to suceed. The US fought a civil war, before they all 'united'. The African Union has not been a great sucess becasue of the great poverty and conflicts plaguing that continent.


I am not saying that CSME cant suceed, but compared to Europe and the US, we are a developing region. I dont know why the West Indies Federation did not suceed, but it would be worthwhile to go back and study why, and see if it will be the same factor in CSME.

What you are comparing is what they went throught to get it done. What you should compare is the intention. What really is the purpose of doing this thing. How will I benefit?

Citing that Europe is rich works against you. Why? Simple, if Europe is that rich and still sees the benefit of uniting together what of poorer folks.

Africa is not been so successful as yet, not because of poverty but because of continues tribal warefare (although fewer) and expectation of retributional compensation (which in itself may never come). The need to accept that the "whites" are there and now focus on how to better themselves using these "obstacles" as resources tools.

[Bahama Mama]

What you are comparing is what they went throught to get it done. What you should compare is the intention. What really is the purpose of doing this thing. How will I benefit?

Citing that Europe is rich works against you. Why? Simple, if Europe is that rich and still sees the benefit of uniting together what of poorer folks.

Africa is not been so successful as yet, not because of poverty but because of continues tribal warefare (although fewer) and expectation of retributional compensation (which in itself may never come). The need to accept that the "whites" are there and now focus on how to better themselves using these "obstacles" as resources tools.


I had mentioned that in my previous post that the idea was the same. However I feel that one should look back in history to see why past attempts at Unionization failed, and try and work out those kinks before attempting to unionize again.

[Chicokid]

I'm hearing now that there is the view that in order for the CSME to work, there would need to be political union among the members as well ie. Federation as was attempted many decades ago. It will be interesting to see how that will play out.

Political Union...will never work. It will fail because there would confusion as to who will be the leader of this unoin.

NB: There was talk a while ago about Political unity between Grenada, Trinidad and St. Vincent. It was said that Barbados might be interested as well.

[chany86]

The CSME, debated about it in high school, knew it was inevitable, because our small islands cannot compete against those larger countries in trade and eco. if i can produce 3 banana and Brazil can produce 30, then maybe by pooling together all the Caribbean Territories, we may all be able to compete with Brazil. Make sense?

well i'm not too sure about the particulars of the CSME.i wonder if its gonna be a dog-eat-dog place? Now imagine, poor likkle u cyaan compete wid di bright pickney dem from Barbados and dem cum yah and tek wi jobs... is a serious ting enuh, Jamaica AS A WHOLE is not ready for the CSME. I can see the competition already. If there is so much strife and anger because ppl cannot find "work" now, i guess they think they can find it elsewhere...but look at the downside, what if more qualified individuals travelling (just like u) get the job over u.

My point is, we have to upgrade our education sector. Prepare our youths for the global economy - or regional economy i should say. I'm excited about the CSME and how much I and my family may be able to benefit, but what about those who just plainly cannot compete with other specialists in their field?? I don't even think my college education is gonna help me wen i apply for a job along side trinis and bajans and those smart little preppy kids from antigua.

Its fear. Fear that is making me worried about Ja's stance in the regional economy. Ja cant afford to open up herself to no more foreign investors (regionally or otherwise) and spoils dont filter down to us the ppl. And with the crime here, how many more ppl gonna want to invest in this place? Arent ya'll fearing the "brain drain" that may occur, wen ppl move out of our territory. My biggest fear from high school was the loss of cultural identity.
My argument is not structured so my thoughts are all over the place

i just trust that the advantages will override the disadvantages of the CSME. Its a pretty concept, but my main fear is competition and loss of or "watering down" of our cultural identity as Jamaicans.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

What's the latest on the CSME? When are things supposed to "go live"?

[Chicokid]

:icon_arro BCK

Hopefully by January 2006.

[tahtah_4755]

This is a very interesting and educative thread.. keep it up guys!

[BlackCryptoKnight]

The Gleaner ran some articles on the pending CSME today.

Here Comes the Caribbean Ready or Not. (http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20051218/lead/lead1.html)

UWI Graduates Eagerly Await CSME (http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20051218/lead/lead7.html)

Tourism and the CSME (http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20051218/lead/lead8.html)

Caricom Single Market- Barriers on the Brink $Billion Market Beckons (http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20051218/lead/lead10.html)

[Chicokid]

Yes it's comming and I hope people are prepared for it :eusa_pray

[Chicokid]

The CSME officially started yesterday January 1st 2006.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

Former Jamaican Prime Minister, Edward Seaga doesn't feel that joining the CSME is in Jamaica's best interest right now. Read article here. (http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20060120/lead/lead3.html)

[Chicokid]

So far only six CARICOM nations are fully participating in the CSME. These include: Jamaica, Barbados, Trinidad, Suriname and Belize.

The OECS countries have until 31st March, 2006 to remove all their restriction to be in compliance with the CSME.

[BlackCryptoKnight]

Edward Seaga expands on his views about CSME

The CSM: Beneficial path or wayward journey? Pt I (http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20060122/lead/lead8.html)

[Chicokid]

Historic signing for CSME in Jamaica today...30th Jan, 2006

SIGNATURES to two separate Declarations today for the common goal, initially, of a dozen states of the Caribbean Community, will legally bring into force the first phase of Caricom's Single Market and Economy (CSME)..

It is the historic ceremonial event scheduled by the Caricom Secretariat for this afternoon at the Mona campus of the University of the West Indies.

Hosted by the Jamaica Government of Prime Minister PJ Patterson, witnesses to the signature event will comprise a distinguished gathering of representatives of the region's governments, private sector, parliamentary opposition parties, academia, regional institutions, labour movment and non-government organisations.

First, there is expected to be a Declaration of Entry, bearing the signatures of Heads of Government of the first six Caricom member states to signify CSME-readiness, as of January 1, 2006 - Barbados, Belize, Guyana, Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and Suriname.

This will be followed by a Declaration of Intent, signed by the Prime Ministers or delegated representatives of Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines. The intention is to be on board by March 31.

Signing of the relevant instruments, in confirmity with the substantially revised Caricom treaty for the CSME, marks an historic milestone in a long, at times tortuous journey by the region's economic integration movement over the past 32 years in quest of the goal of a seamless regional economy, now targeted for 2008.

Speakers for the signing ceremony will be host Prime Minister Patterson, recognised as the "elder statesman" of Caricom, and scheduled to retire in April; Owen Arthur, Prime Minister of Barbados with special responsibility for CSME arrangements; and Vincentian Prime Minister Dr Ralph Gonsalves. Master of ceremonies will be the Community's Secretary General, Edwin Carrington.

Prior to this afternoon's signing ceremony, there is to be a meeting of the six-member committee of government and parliamentary opposition leaders, established at last July's Caricom Summit in St Lucia to engage in structured dialogue in pursuit of improved governance and shared interest in the goals of the Community.

Taken from Trinidad Express (http://www.trinidadexpress.com/index.pl/article_news?id=132152844)

[Arch_Angel]

Chico, a link to the article? Or were you at the ceremony and that is your report? ;)

[Chicokid]

Chico, a link to the article? Or were you at the ceremony and that is your report? ;)

Sorry...I forgot to insert the link before but it's there now :)

[Chicokid]

CSM holds serious challenges for unskilled labour

The CSM took effect January 1, 2006, and under its rules, specified occupational and professional groups are allowed to work in other CARICOM territories without work permits.

Read more Here (http://www.jamaica-gleaner.com/gleaner/20060131/lead/lead4.html)

[Manu]

So very soon we'll have one Caribbean currency?

[Chicokid]

CSM needs free movement of labour

KINGSTON, Jamaica: Officials assisting the progress of the CARICOM Single Market (CSM), have said that one of the main reasons behind the push for full free movement of skills/labour in the region, is the increasing demand from burgeoning regional industries.

With success examples, such as RBTT Bank, which has increased its earnings from US$3 million in 1990 to a projected US$160 million for the 2005/06 fiscal year, regional expansion has been a growing phenomenon, especially since the 1980s.

“The essence of the movement towards integration ought to be the movement of people. Business must have the right to pull people from anywhere in the region,” Senator Delano Franklyn, State Minister for Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, said recently.

Ivor Carryl, Programme Manager of the CSME Regional Unit echoed the Senator’s view. According to Mr. Carryl, the formalization of the CARICOM Single Market (CSM) would encourage an increase in entrepreneurship, which would also mean an increase in the demand for labour within the region.


Read more Here (http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/cgi-script/csArticles/articles/000004/000469.htm)

[Chicokid]

What the business sector should know about the CSM


KINGSTON, Jamaica (JIS): The CARICOM Single Market (CSM) is a grouping of sovereign states that provides freedom for companies to establish businesses throughout the Community. However, as in any free trade area, there are some rules of procedure.

Aside from not levying import duties on goods originating from Member States and removing all tariffs and further restrictions from CARICOM goods, business in the single market should also conform to regional standards of production.

So far, 50 standards have been set for products by the CARICOM established Caribbean Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ), Private Sector Consultant at the regional CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) unit of the CARICOM Secretariat, Leela Narinesingh has pointed out.

Mrs. Narinesingh was speaking recently to representatives from almost 200 Jamaican private sector companies


Read more Here (http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/cgi-script/csArticles/articles/000005/000501.htm)

[nuhsenutten]

i c a friend of mine building a website that has job listings in the caribbean countries and on which u can post ur resume so companies can look for suitable employment.

think with that this will work well with the CSME.
will be posting links to the site once it is up and running

[Jae]

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a387/jaesmith/star.jpg

By Cartoonist Las May of course.

Check out more toons here. (http://www.go-jamaica.com/cartoon/)

[nuhsenutten]

http://i15.photobucket.com/albums/a387/jaesmith/star.jpg

By Cartoonist Las May of course.

http://www.go-jamaica.com/cartoon/ (Check out more toons here.)

at least we will get there .....hopefully:)

[Chicokid]

OECS fully supports CSME, says Dominica’s PM

GEORGETOWN, Guyana: The Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerritt has given an assurance that the countries of the Organisation of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) “are in total support of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).”

The Prime Minister, who arrived in Guyana on Sunday and leaves on Tuesday, met with staff of the CARICOM Secretariat on Monday. In his address, Skerritt denounced the notion or perception that the OECS, now celebrating its 25th anniversary, was operating independent of the Caribbean Community.

He noted that the formation of the economic union among the OECS Member States was dictated by the effort to garner greater bargaining power for the economic and social development of the small population of half a million collectively.


Read more Here (http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/cgi-script/csArticles/articles/000021/002143.htm)

[Chicokid]

OECS countries ready to sign on to Single Market


GEORGETOWN, Guyana: Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, St Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, and St Vincent and the Grenadines will sign onto the Single Market on 30 June according to Prime Minister of Dominica, Roosevelt Skerrit.

Speaking to the issue of the Single Market during a press briefing in Georgetown, Guyana on Monday 26 June, Skerrit said that the six CARICOM Member States were now satisfied that the regional Development Fund will become operational.

“We are very optimistic about the CSME,” Skerrit said, while noting the operation of the Fund, for which a contribution formula had been finalised earlier, was of particular concern to the Less Developed Countries of the Region.


Read more Here (http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/cgi-script/csArticles/articles/000021/002159.htm)

[Chicokid]

BVI to consider participation in CSME

ROAD TOWN, BVI: Chief Minister of the British Virgin Islands Dr. Orlando Smith says the territory will continue to examine the pros and cons of participating in the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME).

The Chief Minister said the CSME was a pertinent issue to the BVI at the 43rd meeting of the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) authority and the 27th meeting of the conference of heads of government of
the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which he attended in Basseterre, St. Kitts, from June 22-23 and July 3-6 respectively.

“The BVI’s position has been that we are not taking part as of this moment,” he said, adding that the Territory will monitor the CSME’s end product. “We are actively engaged in following the process to see clearly what the
disadvantages and benefits could be whether we are in or out of that process,” the Chief Minister said.

Read more Here (http://www.caribbeannetnews.com/cgi-script/csArticles/articles/000023/002371.htm)

[nuhsenutten]

heard on the news that teachers and nurses will be allowed to move freely throughout the member states.