Former ST. Kitts official criticises CSME

A former senior member of the St. Kitts and Nevis government has questioned the benefits of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).



Former National Security Minister G. Dwyer Astaphan says the CSME has found support mainly from regional leaders who rely on their citizens’ ability to migrate in order to reduce local instability.



He says small island nationals are complaining that politicians, who have lost the goodwill of locals, are courting CARICOM immigrants and using them to hold on to power.



He noted that Kittitians were upset at being laid off from their jobs while foreigners, both from CARICOM countries and beyond held lucrative job positions in their country.