Single market protocol on CARICOM agenda
Published:Tuesday | March 1, 2022 | 12:09 AM
Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will today begin to consider a critical protocol that could pave the way for members of the regional bloc to implement key aspects of the single market and economy ahead of those countries that are not yet ready to proceed.
CARICOM Secretary General Dr Carla Barnett told journalists at a press conference on Monday that the regional body has negotiated a draft protocol that would be considered for approval during the 33rd Inter-Sessional Meeting of the Caribbean Community in San Pedro, Ambergris, Caye, Belize.
The 15-member CARICOM states will hold its two-day meeting under the chairmanship of Belizean Prime Minister Johnny Briceno.
Barnett stressed that the matter on the table at today’s meeting of enhanced cooperation is a critical aspect of ensuring that the CSME, in general, can move faster.
“One of the important things that would be on the table is a protocol on the enhanced cooperation among member states that will allow subgroups of member states to work together closely, so that we do not remain bound by the current understanding that we all have to agree to every single step before we make a single step,” Barnett explained.
The CARICOM secretary general argued that there was a growing feeling among members of the regional bloc that if a subset of countries are of like mind, they should be able to move forward on the SME.
She said that other members who were not able to take the step forward should join when they are able to do so.
Leaders of CARICOM will also discuss the political and security crisis in Haiti.
Barnett said that in addition to the security and crime issues affecting Haiti, the Caribbean Community should also lead the international community to consider a long-term development plan for the troubled country.
Haiti’s Prime Minister Ariel Henry is expected to be in attendance.
The regional leaders will also examine the impact of COVID-19 pandemic and steps towards economic recovery.
Agriculture and food security in the region will also be up for discussion, particularly against the background of the interruption of shipping services during the pandemic which raised uncertainty about food supplies.
Barnett said that the objective is to put CARICOM in a position to reduce the volume of imports into member states. She said CARICOM heads are expected to make greater progress in crafting a response to stimulate agricultural production across the region.
The meeting is expected to have dialogue on climate change and preparations to be made for COP 27, following on the outcomes of COP 26.
The COP 26 summit, which was held last year in the United Kingdom from October 31 to November 13, brought parties together to accelerate action towards the goals of the Paris Agreement and the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change.
While the conflict between Russia and Ukraine was not on the agenda, Barnett said she would not rule out discussion on the issue during the meeting of the CARICOM heads.