In his welcome remarks, Director of Trade, Mr. Matthan Walter, commended the initiative and highlighted its critical importance to citizens of the Community as they seek to work and travel within the region. Presentations were made by resource persons from the Secretariat and covered the free movement and travel arrangements under the CSME. Participants were informed of their rights and responsibilities as CARICOM nationals as they travel within the CSME for reasons of employment, vacation or business. They were also apprised of the CARICOM Complaints Procedure that is available if they feel that they were prevented from accessing their rights under any of the regimes. At the end of the session, persons expressed their satisfaction with the information shared and having their questions and concerns addressed. Some of the issues raised related to how to obtain a CARICOM Skilled National Certificate, the movement of capital, and the harmonisation of procedures across Member States.  

The activity was ably supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade with key officers in attendance. This public sensitization exercise forms part of a larger public education strategy to promote the CSME as an important platform for realizing the goal of regional integration and a better quality of life for CARICOM nationals.