T&T minister says CSME divided

A senior Trinidad and Tobago government minister says a lack of agreement on key issues is preventing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) from effectively functioning.



The CSME allows for the free movement of goods, skills, and labour across the 15-member regional bloc.



However, Works and Infrastructure Minister Austin Jack Warner says one of the stumbling blocks is the lack of agreement on who qualifies for the benefits.



He says there needs to be a common definition of what is a professional service so that all can be clear as to who are covered by the policy.



Warner says a common policy on the requirement and procedures for registration and licensing of professionals is also needed.



Regional governments say the CSME is intended to benefit the people of the Caribbean by providing more and better opportunities to produce and sell their goods and services and to attract investment.



It is also intended to create one large market among the participating member states.