Prime Minister of Barbados Owen Arthur believes that all the countries planning to implement the CSM (Caricom Single Market) by 2005 are on track to meet their objectives.
Addressing a news conference last week following a two-day Caricom meeting, Mr Arthur informed reporters that planning and organisation for the CSME was progressing smoothly.
ﾓWe are on our way to have all the countries in the region honour the obligations by 2005,ﾒ he confirmed, adding that there ﾓis no need absolutely to relax the deadline.”
Arthur also revealed that further consideration will soon be given to expanding the categories of people able to take advantage of the right to move freely within the region. At present, this right is bestowed upon just a few groups, including university graduates, media workers and artists.
However, before freedom of movement is widened, Arthur stated that some important issues remained to be worked out, such as entitlement to social security and other entitlement programmes.
“We are hopeful we can go to the next Heads of Government conference (July 2005) with a programme to begin that process,” Mr Arthur explained.
He also revealed that Caricom leaders had agreed to the establishment of a Regional Development Fund to push the CSM initiative.
By Amanda Banks, Tax-News.com
