The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) will take a major step in advancing the Regional integration process when the Unit to spearhead implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) opens its offices in Barbados on Monday 14 October, 2002.

The offices will be located on the 6th Floor of the Tom Adams Financial Centre in Bridgetown until the completion of the CARICOM Secretariat Headquarters Building in Georgetown, Guyana. This move is being made to accelerate the establishment of the Single Market and Economy.

The Prime Minister with lead responsibility for the Single Market and Economy, Prime Minister of Barbados, the Rt Hon Owen S. Arthur will deliver the feature address at a ceremony to officially open the CSME office. CARICOM Secretary-General Mr Edwin Carrington and head of the Barbados Private Sector Agency, Mr Allan Fields will also address the function which begins at 4.30 p.m.

CARICOM Secretariat Adviser, Single Market and Sectoral Programmes, Ms Desiree Field-Ridley will be in charge of the Unit.