Dr. Gonsalves: learn more about CSME

Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves is encouraging the public and private sector to become fully acquainted with the Caricom Single Market and Economy and its implications.

He lamented the poor response of the private sector towards a number of fora intended to get them acquainted with the implications and advantages of the CSME to their businesses.{{more}}

The Prime Minister assumed Chairmanship of the Organization of the Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) this month, until May 2006. As chairman, he promises that a more aggressive awareness programme will be initiated in St. Vincent and throughout the OECS.

Meanwhile, Dr. Gonsalves has called on Caricom to focus more attention on the full elaboration of the Regional Development Fund, this fund is a mechanism designed to cushion the financial strain on some countries in the implementation of the CSME in their respective countries. He also called for the further liberalization of the process of freedom of movement of labour and for the OECS stock exchange to form the base of the Caricom Regional Stock Exchange.

The Prime Minister said this is important because although Caricom as an entity will benefit from the CSME, each country will not benefit at the same pace; therefore, these provisions must be made to accommodate the less developed countries of the region and ensure the success of the CSME. (API)