CSME Public Awareness Targets Guyana’s Private Sector

As CARICOM looks to increase public awareness about the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), the local private sector and rural organizations was this morning engaged on what the CSME means to them.

The one-day CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) sensitization workshop commenced with approximately 30 participants.

Guyana’s Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Foreign Affairs Ministry told the participants that the private sector is key in making the aims of the CSME possible. He said after the day’s session it must not be the end but urged the bodies to be the promoters of the CSME.

CARICOM Assistant Secretary-General for Trade and Economic Integration, Joseph Cox expressed the view that it is time that the CSME be used as it was intended which means the free movement of skills, goods, and services.

“This is where we have to start to look at, what is it that we are trying to achieve and how is it that we are getting there. In this same sense, we have to continue to focus on international competitiveness…for the private sector to really achieve its role” Cox said.

The conversation which was centered on the CSME is being done under the 10th European Development Fund and Economic Integration Programme.

It is expected that at the end of the workshop, participants should have a better appreciation of the benefits of the CSME for their respective sectors and how to take full advantage of them.

On Thursday, November 3, a public sensitization session on facilitation of travel will be held in Le Resouvenir. Participants will be informed about their rights and responsibilities as CARICOM nationals travelling within the CSME for work, leisure or business.

Another private sector and rural communities CSME workshop will also be hosted in Suriname on Friday, November 4 for approximately 40 participants. Similar workshops have already been held in Barbados, Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines with a final one scheduled for Belize later this month.