CSME Unit Country Mission to St. Kitts-Nevis 18-21st June 2012

The Ministry of International Trade has coordinated with the CARICOM Secretariat’s CSME Unit to host a four (4) day country mission to the Federation to conduct a national CSME Awareness and Sensitization programme. The broad objective of the programme is to increase the level of involvement of the citizens of St. Kitts & Nevis in the CARICOM Single Market & Economy and increase the awareness of the benefits to be derived therein. It will also focus on explaining how the CSME is intended to function; with specific reference to the various provisions governing the removal of restrictions for the free movement of goods, services, people, capital and business operations across the region.

This awareness campaign will entail a number of focused group sessions with government ministries, private sector organizations, financial institutions, media houses, students, as well as a panel discussion for the general public on Tuesday 19th June, 2012. These sessions will be facilitated by the Ministry of International Trade along with a team of experts from the CSME Unit which comprises of:
• Mr. Ivor Carryl – Programme Manager CSME
• Mr. Steven MacAndrew – Specialist, Free Movement of Skills/Labour,
• Ms. Enid Bissember – Deputy Programme Manager, Economic Development Policy & Research,
• Mr. Timothy Odle – Deputy Programme Manager, Services,
• Mr. Norris Breedy – Deputy Programme Manager, Single Market & Economy (Free Movement of Goods),
• Ms. Leela Ramoutar – Specialist, Private Sector Facilitation,
• Mr. Salas Hamilton – Specialist, Communications.

It is expected that the outcome of this four (4) day mission will generate greater interest in the CSME by increasing stakeholders’ understanding of the role they must play in promoting and facilitating the CSME. Moreover, it should address a number of concerns regarding the implementation of the various facets of the CSME and the ramifications to be faced under the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) for non-implementation.

The Ministry encourages all targeted stakeholders to come out and take part in these sessions and engage in fruitful discussions regarding St. Kitts & Nevis’ role in fostering deeper regional integration through the CSME.