October 27, 2023
Another phase of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Skilled Workers Programme began in Barbados, Tuesday. CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) Focal points from Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Belize were welcomed in Barbados as they started a one-week work-related attachment.
The initiative provides opportunities for learning best practices in the administration of the regimes of the CSME and to develop practical skills to assist Member States in implementing the CSME and decisions of the Organs and Bodies of the Caribbean Community. The aim is to foster advocates for CARICOM integration through the exposure given to the participants.
This activity is supported under the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Strengthening Framework for CARICOM Integration and Cooperation Process (SFCICP).
The visiting CSME Focal Points were greeted at the Office of the Prime Minister of Barbados by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ms. Paula Byer; the host Focal Point Ms. Shenelle Richards and Mr. Titus Preville, Director, CARICOM Single Market, CARICOM Secretariat.
Throughout the day the participants engaged local officials at the Barbados Accreditation Council; the Immigration Department and visited the Jean and Norma Holder Institute. Later in the afternoon they had presentations at the CARICOM Secretariat, Single Market and Trade Directorate.
They will continue similar activities throughout the week before having a wrap up session on Friday, 27 October 2023.
CSME Focal Points from Saint Lucia and Trinidad and Tobago will be hosted in Belize from 29 October – 4 November 2023.The representatives from Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Grenada and Haiti are slated to be in Guyana from 19 to 25 November 2023 and Focal Points from Guyana, Montserrat, Jamaica and Suriname will be in Trinidad and Tobago – 3 to 9 December 2023.