The Trinidad and Tobago government is in the advanced stages of reviewing plans to implement full free movement of people under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). However, Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs Sean Sobers says public consultations may be held before any final decision is made.
Minister Sobers said Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar’s position is that while Trinidad and Tobago remains fully committed to CARICOM’s goals, the government must carefully consider the needs and concerns of its own citizens.
“That is where we are at at this point in time. That is actually the same position adopted by other jurisdictions within the Caribbean right now, for example, Jamaica, Guyana and whatnot. They have not put a pause, but they are also reviewing it and will give a signal to CARICOM as to when they are ready to implement a total free and full movement of persons within CARICOM.”
Minister Sobers explained that under the existing CSME system, individuals who wish to move throughout the Caribbean must first obtain a CSME Skills Certificate, which is issued by the Ministry of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs.
“This particular evolution of the CSME now will see persons moving through the Caribbean region without having to obtain that skills certificate.”