Prime Minister, Dr the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell left the state on 3 December to attend the 18th Special Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community on the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME).
The meeting began on 3 December in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago with an opening ceremony, while the substantial discussions will take place on Tuesday.
At the last Heads of Government meeting in Jamaica in July, Caricom leaders agreed that there is need to focus more on CSME, hence this week’s special meeting.
Prior to his departure, Dr Mitchell said, “It is critical for us as a regional body to ensure that we do what is necessary to facilitate the full implementation of the CSME. This single market and economy has been a long-standing goal, and it is important that we demonstrate a real commitment to making it fully functional. Our discussions in Trinidad and Tobago are intended to further the CSME agenda.”
Agenda items for this week’s meeting will include discussion on the topic ‘Perspectives for an Effective and Meaningful Caricom single Market and Economy’. Caricom leaders are also expected to discuss the CSME as a platform for growth and development; and the Report on the Commission to Review Jamaica’s Relations within the Caricom and CARIFORUM Frameworks, as well as support programmes and measures.
Other issues for consideration by the Caricom Heads of Government are the expansion of categories of skilled Caricom nationals; the principle of mutual recognition of companies and a single domestic space for transport and communication.
The agenda also includes discussion on Haiti’s implementation plan for its integration into the CSME, and the private sector and labour in the CSME.
Dr Mitchell will return to the state on Wednesday. In his absence, Honourable Gregory Bowen has been appointed Acting Prime Minister.
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