On the 5 February 2008 BU published the article Barriers To Implementing Caribbean Single Market & Economy (CSME) which was submitted by a BU commenter under the moniker of Analyst. We have had some good discussion which prompted the following response by another commenter by the name of Andrea Symmonds. The commenter using simple language sought to explain why some countries would have more easily adopted CSME as a realizable concept. Of course having heard the explanation we remain confused as to the realistic implementation of CSME any day coming soon.
The revised treaty of chaguaramas which is basically the rather long-winded document that sets up the various provisions of the CSME, really commits the member states to doing a number of things at the same time. In my judgement therein lies the deficiency but at the same time it really could not be avoided. What has happened is that some member states because of human resource constraints could not move at the pace of others. So what was created was the impression that some of us were more committed than others. For instance a team of lawyers (I hope I am not boring anyone but there really is no interesting or sexy way to go about this) would have gone through the region and examined all of the legislation relating to business operation – what they were looking for was restrictions on the basis of nationality – so if you wanted to open a hairdressing salon and the legislation said that only nationals could open such a business then that law was deemed restrictive – you get the point – what they then came up with was a country by country list of all the restrictions – legal and administrative – Member States were then required to remove all those restrictions – To be fair because Barbados has since the 1950s and 1960s pursued an investment oriented path to development we never had those restrictions, except in relation to work permits required for persons coming to open a business etc. So there wasnt a lot that Barbados had to do (nor T&T, or Suriname, or Guyana or Jamaica or Belize – that is just from my memory) in order to be compliant. The countries of the OECS however had major changes to make and no legislative drafters. Much of the delay on their part was then due to the CARICOM Secretariat finding the necessary technical assistance to get draft legislation crafted. The various programmes were completed by December 2006.
The OECS was critical for Barbados since we in fact export a substantial measure of services to this region as well as goods – when I was the focal point I was aware of a number of established businesses that were plying their trade in the OECS and they welcomed the changes that made their operations there a lot easier and more profitable. Equally, I would receive a number of enquiries from small businesses and emerging businesses about the new arrangements – they ranged from customs brokers to mechanics.
I would also say that I am realistic, the CSME is not going to mean something to everybody and there are some people who will be disadvantaged – we need to find a way to address their concerns and provide alternatives – as is the case with every policy that a government pursues.
there are a number of things happening – we are currently developing harmonised regulations for service providers in the region – the national coalitions of service providers are a direct product of the CSME arrangements – within agriculture we are developing common standards for agricultural health and food safety – we are also developing a harmonised approach to standards for products sold in the region,this is all ongoing work
the region is also working on a travel card which is in the advanced stages of design and is based on the technology and security systems that were deployed during world cup – the cards will be available to all persons who are willing to submit themselves to a thorough screening by the regional security system – so it will be good for business travellers.
I hope this helped – I don’t have all the answers but what ever information I can share I would be happy to do so.
the major problem with CSME is that in every member state it has become a much politicised exercise and there needs to be a mature bipartisan approach, working with CARICAD at the regional level I feel that I have been able to convey this to the powers that be – here in Barbados that might be difficult given my own affiliation – but there is nothing wrong with using forums like this to get unbiased information across – in my view the CSME is not perfect and it is not something that can be sold it is a work in progress and we are in fact learning as we go along. What is needed is constructive criticism that seeks to offer solutions.
We know Bush tea’s position but where is the alternative to CSME those of you who are doubting Thomases?
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