| ST JOHN’S, Antigua (CMC) – Antigua and Barbuda is seeking another five-year exemption to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Single Market and Economy (CSME) regime that allows for the expansion of the free movement of people, particularly domestic workers, a senior diplomat said.The CSME allows for the free movement of goods,Wholesale Authentic Jerseys, services,Cheap Jerseys, skills and labour across the 15-member regional grouping.Regional leaders have agreed to allow university graduates, artistes, musicians, sports persons and media workers free movement. However, some countries are yet to fully implement the measures to allow nurses,Wholesale NHL Jerseys, teachers, artisans with a Caribbean Vocational qualification, as well as holders of Associate Degrees or comparable qualifications and household domestic workers to move freely.Ambassador Clarence Henry of the National Authorising Office (NAO) told the Observer media in Antigua Tuesday that the island had argued its position at the 40th meeting of the Council of Trade and Economic Development (COTED) that was held in Guyana last weekend.“When a country is unable to finance its own institutions and continue to owe international and regional institutions,Cheap NFL Jerseys China, the country’s constraints must be taken into consideration. And the region,Wholesale NFL Jerseys, through its different organs and institutions, must find a way to assist member states that are challenge.“So, COTED agreed with Antigua and Barbuda that the matter ought to be sent up to the (CARICOM) heads,” he said.Henry said that while the Gaston Browne administration had made the request to COTED, the decision has to be made by the regional leaders who meet in Barbados in July.“It is our position the prime minister should be allowed to make an appropriate representation at the forthcoming heads of government meeting for its continuance.“The national free movement committee in the ministry of labour and immigration, met with myself and were apprised of the situation, the issues and ramifications since November last year,” Henry said, noting that Antigua and Barbuda has always had a very liberal immigration policy which extended beyond the CSME free movement categories.He said there is already a very large immigrant labour force here and there would be serious ramifications if Antigua and Barbuda were to be asked to adopt an even more liberal system at this time.In 2009, Antigua and Barbuda was granted a five-year exemption. The island also has exemptions on the movement of teachers and nurses under the CSME.When the first exemption on domestic workers was granted, it was agreed that a study would be done on the then immigrant labour situation and the impact of adopting the free movement policy.But the findings of the study were later rejected by Antigua and Barbuda,Wholesale Nike NFL Jerseys, with island questioning the method used and the accuracy, efficiency and validity of the information/data contained in the study. |
