OECS, CARICOM review draft model legislation

Consultations being held here by officials from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) to discuss draft model legislations to deal with deficiencies in the legal and regulatory framework within Member States as it relates to the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) will end today.{{more}}

Through the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, Member States have agreed on binding commitments in respect to the free movement of goods and services, free movement of persons, free movement of capital and the right of establishment. To ensure the practical effectiveness of the CSME, specific development interventions are required. It is in this light that the CARICOM Secretariat signed an agreement with the Canadian government for the Trade and Competitiveness Project (CTCP).

Under the CTCP, the CARICOM secretariat, in collaboration with the OECS commission, will fulfill part of the mandate given by the Community to work with Member States to implement their CSME obligations. The purpose of the current consultation in St Vincent and the Grenadines is in furtherance of decision to facilitate the operational effectiveness of the CSME to ensure that the rights and benefits expected by nationals of the Community are not frustrated by elements of the implementation process.

Yesterday, Monday, May 12, the team met with the relevant line ministries and today, Tuesday, May 13, nonstate actors are making their contribution to this consultative process.

The meetings are taking place at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Conference room and begin at 9 a.m. each day.

The Regional Integration and Diaspora Unit (RIDU) encourages all to participate and make their contribution.