LABOUR MEETING WITH CARIBBEAN MINISTERS

“Social Justice: The Foundation for Sustainable Caribbean Transformation”

Hon. Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government, attended the 12th Meeting of Caribbean Ministers of Labour (CLMM) in Georgetown, Guyana, from May 23 to 25. Minister Requena was joined by Mr. Valentino

Shal, Chief Executive Officer in the ministry, and Mrs. Rissela Dominguez-Patt, Labour Commissioner.

Held under the theme, "Social Justice: The Foundation for Sustainable Caribbean Transformation," the meeting's main objective was to discuss the

Belize Chairs 30th Special Meeting of COHSOD

challenges affecting the Caribbean labour market. Discussions focused on social justice for the Caribbean, labour migration and mobility in the Caribbean, just transition for sustainable Caribbean socio-economic transformation, and fundamental principles and rights at work.

In his remarks, Minister Requena said, “I am a firm believer that encouraging social justice and decent labour is essential for achieving sustainable development. The occasion has paved the path for fruitful partnerships between Caribbean countries and encouraged regional collaboration for a better Belize. This meeting also provides strategic discussions on how to enhance labour institutions while developing policies for long-term development and growth.”

Hon. Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour, and Local Government, chaired the 30th Special Meeting of the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD), an organ of CARICOM, in Georgetown, Guyana, on May 24. Present at the meeting were Ministers of Labour and heads of delegations from CARICOM member states.

The purpose of the meeting was to discuss a single agenda item related to advancing the Free Movement of Skilled Nationals in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). The CSME economic regime enables citizens of participating member states to travel and work within the region. This regime intends to increase the pool of skills accessible throughout the region, facilitate economic integration, and foster a sense of community and solidarity among member states. The free movement of persons is a crucial element of regional integration.

Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, led the discussion, having requested for member states to evaluate proposals on the freedom of movement, which includes a gradualist approach and the full free movement approach with accommodations for certain expectations and limitations. These options will appropriately consider the sensitivities of member states and provide for exceptions and flexibilities, including the phased implementation of specific categories or exclusions when necessary.

Member countries shared their position on the options and concluded with a commitment to continue working on this important matter for CARICOM.

During the session, Minister Requena also signed on to the “Latin America and the Caribbean Free of Child Labour Regional Initiative,” making Belize the 31st nation to join this regional effort.

Among the high-level participants at the forum were Ministers of Labour of the Caribbean, the CARICOM Secretariat, the Jamaica Employers' Federation, the Employers' Consultative Association of Trinidad and Tobago, and representatives from the Caribbean Congress of Labour.