The CARICOM Secretariat, in collaboration with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs, recently facilitated a series of consultations in Antigua and Barbuda to enhance awareness of national procedures and processes for implementing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). The sessions, held from February 5 to 7, 2025, are part of a regional initiative supported by the 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Strengthening Framework for CARICOM Integration and Cooperation Processes (SFCICP).
During the engagements, the CARICOM Secretariat team met with key government officials, including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs Hon. Chet Greene, Attorney General Hon. Steadroy Benjamin, members of the Parliamentary Opposition, and representatives from various government departments such as Immigration, Customs and Excise, and the Registrar of Companies. The consultations also included the National Trade Council, aviation stakeholders, and the Royal Police Force.
Additionally, outreach sessions were conducted with secondary and tertiary institutions, including Antigua State College and The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus, with the support of Antigua and Barbuda’s CARICOM Youth Ambassadors. The discussions aimed to inform students and the wider public about the benefits and opportunities of the CSME framework.
The visit also featured a televised panel discussion on Antigua Broadcasting Service (ABS) TV, following which Governor General Sir Rodney Williams commended the CARICOM Secretariat team for their informative presentation.
The team leading the consultations included Leo Preville, Gladys Young (Assistant General Counsel), Salas Hamilton (Specialist Communications CSME), Wanya Illes (Deputy Programme Manager, Free Movement and Labour), and Bernard Black (Senior Project Officer, Customs and Trade Policy).
These consultations in Antigua and Barbuda mark the completion of similar engagements in five CARICOM member states: Antigua and Barbuda, Belize, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The initiative will continue in Trinidad and Tobago from March 18 to 21, 2025.
