Regional Transportation, CSME among matters for CARICOM Heads’ attention

Enhancing regional air and maritime transportation and further advancing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) are among matters for deliberation when CARICOM Heads of Government hold their 30th Inter-Sessional Meeting in Basseterre, St. Kitts and Nevis, 26-27 February.

Heads of Government will examine recommendations from a Special Meeting of the CARICOM Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) on Transportation, held in St Vincent and the Grenadines on 18 February, which dealt with, among other things the Multilateral Air Services Agreement (MASA), proposals for a regional ferry service and easier security check-in for in-transit passengers. MASA, when implemented,  will serve as a mechanism to maximize the economic and social benefits arising from aviation activities for CARICOM air carriers.

The Meeting will seek to further advance measurable steps for action on the CSME which were identified at a Special Meeting of Heads in Trinidad and Tobago in December.  These include new categories for free movement of persons, Heads of Government engagement with the private sector and labour, and operationalizing the Protocol on Contingent Rights which was signed by ten Member States during and since the 39th Regular Meeting in Jamaica last July.  Security matters and blacklisting issues affecting Member States are also before the Heads for consideration.

Heads of Government will also have an exchange of views with the President of Estonia Her Excellency Kersti Kaljulaid.

The Meeting, at the  St. Kitts Marriott Resort and Royal Beach Casino, begins at 9:30 on Tuesday 26 February with remarks by CARICOM Chairman, Prime Minister Dr. Timothy Harris of St Kitts and Nevis; outgoing Chairman, Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica and CARICOM Secretary-General Ambassador Irwin LaRocque.