Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Honourable Keith Mitchell left the state today to attend the 18th Special Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community on the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
The meeting begins today in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago with an opening ceremony, while the substantial discussions will take place on Tuesday.
At the last Heads of Government meeting in Jamaica in July, CARICOM leaders agreed that there is need to focus more on CSME, hence this week’s special meeting.
Prior to his departure, Dr. Mitchell said, “It is critical for us as a regional body to ensure that we do what is necessary to facilitate the full implementation of the CSME.
This single market and economy has been a long-standing goal, and it is important that we demonstrate a real commitment to making it fully functional.
Our discussions in Trinidad and Tobago are intended to further the CSME agenda.”
Agenda items for this week’s meeting will include discussion on the topic ‘Perspectives for an Effective and Meaningful CARICOM single Market and Economy’.
CARICOM leaders are also expected to discuss the CSME as a platform for growth and development; and the Report on the Commission to Review Jamaica’s Relations within the CARICOM and CARIFORUM Frameworks, as well as support programmes and measures.