More aggressive public awareness campaign needed - Prime Minister tells CSME Summit
Guyana Chronicle
December 2, 2003
EVEN as significant progress continues to be recorded with regard to the implementation of the Single Market and Economy (CSME), there are still some crucial decisions to be implemented.
This observation was made by Prime Minister Samuel Hinds at the opening of a one-day Summit on the CSME in Georgetown, Guyana.
According to Mr. Hinds, the concepts behind the CSME are still unrealistic in the minds of many average Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nationals and this is largely because of ignorance. He called for a more aggressive public awareness campaign, adding that for people to benefit from the CSME, they must first understand the idea.
Another important step is preparing the regional economies for further integration. He noted that especially in the area of free movement of people, economies ought to provide enough jobs and business opportunities for its people to move around the Caribbean in a regularised manner, instead of having some countries experience a brain drain.
He said some countries, especially Guyana, have progressed significantly since colonialism, and with the advent of globalization, this progress continues as countries strive to meet the challenges.
The Prime Minister cautioned those in attendance at the Summit, including Government Officials, the Private Sector and the Labour Movement, that globalisation is not necessarily a negative thing for Third World countries, as there can be positives in the long run, since the process gives birth to new economic ventures. He stressed that small economies, just as large economies, both win and lose from the process of globalisation.
Mr. Hinds urged CARICOM nationals not to see competition with developed countries as a threat, but rather to use the opportunity to raise standards.
A work in progress
Comparing the CSME with the formation of the European Union, Mr. Hinds pointed out that the materialisation of the EU, clearly illustrates that "if they can do it, so can we in the Caribbean."
The realisation of the CSME is not an overnight event the Prime Minister cautioned, but rather "work in progress" as it will take time and immense effort from Community members to make it happen.
Voicing his concerns about the implementation of the CSME, Mr. Hinds pointed out that among the other outstanding areas of concern are trade related activities, employment and poverty.
Countries, he said, need to work harder at alleviating poverty, which will better prepare their economies and peoples for the integration movement. Also, Government should have economic policies that drive full employment.
On the issue of relations, Mr. Hinds said more should be done to enhance the prospects of interactions with Governments, the Private Sector and the Labour Movement. He noted that there will be differences between these sectors when key decisions/policies have to be made, but the contradictions should never be personalised.
According to the Prime Minister, the challenge to CARICOM now is to reconcile the differences.
He urged nationals not to be mesmerised by what is taking place in the developed countries, but use it as a yardstick to improve standards in their own.
The Summit heard presentations on Basic Instruments, Institutions and Regional arrangements under the CSME, Judiciary and Legal Systems, the role of the Media under the CSME, the Private Sector involvement, positioning the Agricultural and Mining Sectors to face the challenges, security, banking and finance and the potential of the Services Sectors under the CSME.
Also delivering remarks at the opening ceremony was Ambassador Havelock Brewster, Alternate Director of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
He noted that the Summit will review the progress made with regards to the CSME during the past 13 years and what has to be done by the Governments, Private Sector and Labour Movement to enhance the achievements. He too pointed out that while Heads of Government have made enabling decisions, there are many outstanding aspects, especially the issue of public awareness.
Chairman of the proceedings Guyana's Minister of Foreign Trade and International Cooperation, Mr. Clement Rohee noted that the CSME has come a far way and when fully materialised will provide opportunities for business expansion and competitive dealings.
He noted that the Summit's focus was on issues relating to external negotiating theatres such as the Free Trade Areas of the Americas, EU and World Trade Organisation. These negotiations, he said, will and are posing challenges to various sectors within the regional economy.
Representing the Private Sector was its chairman Mr. Peter DeGroot, who noted that the CSME would provide key opportunities for businesses. He too voiced concerns about the free movement of people versus brain drain.
Also delivering remarks was General Secretary of the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC), who welcomed the idea of the CSME, and raised concerns about the movement of people.
Among those present at the opening ceremony were the Ministers of Health Dr. Leslie Ramsammy; Finance Mr. Saisnarine Kowlessar; Culture, Youth and Sport, Ms. Gail Teixeira, Fisheries, Other Crops and Livestock, Mr. Satyadeow Sawh, Tourism, Industry and Commerce Mr. Manzoor Nadir, Home Affairs Mr. Ronald Gajraj and Legal Affairs, Mr. Doodnauth Singh.