TT to take steps for free movement of all Caricom nationals

PRIME Minister Dr Keith Rowley says a comprehensive review is required for this country to move towards full free movement of Caricom nationals in the next three years.

He made the announcement while reading a statement in Parliament Wednesday on the Eighteenth Special Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of Caricom on the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) which was convened in Port of Spain from December 3-4.

"At the meeting, member states reaffirmed their commitment to the integration movement ­– Caricom, and to taking heightened action towards the full implementation of the CSME," Rowley said.

He said the St Ann’s Declaration was issued at the conclusion of the Special Meeting and, with the intent to bring new impetus to the implementation of the CSME, he listed the next steps for TT on a number of key commitments.

These steps included commitments made with regard to the Free Movement of Persons including a move towards full free movement within the next three years (by 2021) for willing member states.

"Once ratified, TT would be required to undertake a comprehensive review of the relevant legislative and administrative frameworks governing the entry and stay of Caricom nationals as well as benefits to be accorded to them."

Commitments had also been made to include agricultural workers, beauty service practitioners, barbers and security guards to the list of skilled Caricom nationals entitled to move freely and seek employment within the community. The skilled workers originally allowed free movement were artistes, sports persons, musicians and media workers.