The notion of a Caribbean Region without barriers, strengthened by its collective resources and opportunities, has been a shared vision that inspired the commitment of integrationists from the early days. Subsequently, world developments further crystallised the need to move with haste to put in place the instruments and institutions to realise this vision and facilitate economic development.

When the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) conceived and agreed on the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) it was in recognition of challenges posed by the increasingly globalised economy and the need to increase competitiveness of the goods and services of the Region for regional and international markets.

This naturally necessitated removal of barriers to trade, with free movement of regional services, goods and capital, and people. The establishment of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) would ensure CSME integrity and assume custody of the rights of participating states and their nationals.

There is also recognition that to unlock the richness of these initiatives, the business community must clearly understand the CSME process and cross-border issues. This document therefore seeks to inform, advise and guide the CARICOM beneficiaries—producers, traders, service providers—towards the opportunities created by the CSME. It is hoped that the information serves to further enlighten this group of stakeholders on the relevant issues.