Belize City, 10th February, 2016 – Twenty Belizeans from the private sector, public sector and union representatives attended day one of a two-day workshop on the Free Movement of Labour in Belize City at the Radisson Fort George Hotel and Marina.

The workshop opened with four key speakers that highlighted the history, present progress and the benefits of the CSME. Keynote Speaker, CEO Kerry Belisle reiterated the commitment of the Labour Department to facilitate free movement and to reinvigorate domestic systems that would create greater efficiency and transparency.

Dr. Olivia Smith, Deputy Programme Manager, Free Movement and Labour, CARICOM Secretariat, CSME Unit, led an interactive workshop that gave an overview of the CARICOM Community. She explained the rights associated with establishing a business in the CARICOM region, the benefits and challenges associated with living and working in the Caribbean. Legal Research Officer, Ms. Deborah Barrow expounded on the legal implications and outcomes of key case studies and their link to the legal provisions in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas that should guide Member States compliance with the Treaty.

The discussions centered on clarifying the provisions of the Revised Treaty and recommendations to reach a young populace with the use of technology.

The CARICOM Secretariat and the Ministry of Investment, Trade and Commerce realise much more public awareness must be undertaken to ensure that Belizeans can access more benefits under the CARICOM Single Market Economy (CSME). (Belize Government Information Service Press Release)