CSME Programme

In 1989, the tenth meeting of the Conference of the Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community recognised the need to deepen the integration process in response to the changing world economic environment. This led to the decision to establish a Single Market and Economy. The CSME is comprised of 13 member states. They are:

•  Antigua and Barbuda
• Barbados
• Belize
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Haiti
• Jamaica
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• St. Vincent and the Grenadines
• SurinameTrinidad and Tobago

Collaboration between CARICAD and the CSME

The collaboration between CARICAD and the CSME Unit was conceptualised on the basis that CARICAD was already mandated to work with the  public services and could therefore facilitate and support the work of the CSME Unit in relation to making the necessay internventions in the respective public services.  The identification of the movement as the primary focus of the collaboration ws based on thefact that this component of the CSME implementation is one of the more complex requirements which necessitate a high degree of inter-ministerial coordination which CARICAD is well positioned to facilitate.  Equally both agencies recognised that this component of the CSME agenda required intensive and targeted in-country interventions and it was agreed that CARICAD would support such interventions. Key activities to date include:

• Joint Missions to Member States to facilitate sensitisation and consultation
• Partnering with the CSME Unit on the implementation of the Public Education Programme - Workshops for Media Workers, CARICOM Youth Ambassadors
• Facilitating the implementation of the Free Movement Committee in Antigua and Babuda
• Drafting a country position on Contingent Rights for the government of Antigua and Barbuda
• Membership of the Project Steering Committee for the CSME Component of the CARICOM Canada Trade and Competitiveness Project (this project deals with administrative reform)

Collaboration between CARICAD and IMPACS

The establishment of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) and the pursuant introduction of a CARICOM Travel Card Regime not only anticipate increased movement of people and goods, but will facilitate hassle free travel for CARICOM Nationals across the Region.  In essence, this has necessistated extensive changes to Member States' legislatin and will require improved and harmonised practices and procedures in border security and law enforcement, especially from Immigration and Customs.  Even though national security will remain a critical priority.  Immigration and Customs Officials will assume major roles in the facilitation of public services that is more effective and efficient, at various ports of entry.

This is the fundamental premise on which cooperation between IMPACS and CARICAD is based.  The institutional framework for cooperation has been articulated in a Memorandum of Understanding between the  two agencies and seeks to combine CARICAD's expertise in human resource management and development in the public service with IMPACS technical competence in all matters relating to security in the region (both at the border and internally).

There are two broad goals whichthe partnership seeks to achieve:

• A better understanding of the major issues affecting border security
• Enhanced service delivery at the ports of entry

The key activities to be undertaken include:

• A Comprehensive Trainig Programme for Immigration Officials
• Semi-annual Workshops to facilitate a review of training needs of security officals in the region
• In-country programmes inresponse to requests from Member States in relation to identified high priority specialised security issues e.g: IT and human trafficking