Letter of Request for Free Movement of Managerial, Supervisory and Technical Staff

A self-employed person or a Company (that is the employer) must submit a letter of request to the Free Movement Desk so that it can be considered by the Competent Authority in the Member State in which free movement is requested for managerial, supervisory and technical staff. A copy of the employment contact must be included in the request.

The Free Movement Committee will consider these requests on behalf of the Competent Authority and will inform the employer about the outcome. Managerial, supervisory and technical staff do not have the right to free movement, so no Certificate will be issued, but the employer will receive a letter stating that their free movement has been approved and their passports must be submitted to Immigration in order to be stamped. These persons will be granted free movement in accordance with the duration of their employment contract.

Procedure at Port of Entry
CARICOM Nationals who wish to move from one CARICOM Member State tp another in order to establish a business will have to present the following at point of entry:
i. Valid passport
ii. Return ticket
iii. Proof of financial resources for personal maintenance, such as credit cards, travelers cheques, cash or combination   thereof.
Immigration will grant the CARICOM National a definite stay of 6 months

Procedure after entry
Each Member State must designate a Competent Authority of Right of Establishment. After entry has been granted the CARICOM National must submit to the Competent Authority, relevant proof of legitimacy, such as;
• Police Certificate
• Financial Resources
• Business Name(s) Certificate / Certificate of Incorporation.

Letter of Approval from the Competent Authority
The Competent Authority will determine if all requirements to establish the particular business have been satisfied. Once all requirements are satisfied, it will issue a letter of approval to the CARICOM National, copied to the Immigration Department. If the business is established within the 6 month period then the CARICOM National must report to the Immigration Department to further regularize his / her stay with the following document:

Indefinite Stay
Immigration will grant the CARICOM National an indefinite stay.

Member States will determine through the national mechanisms which have been established for that purpose, whether a business is operational.

If the CARICOM National is no longer operating the business or another business the Competent Authority for Rights of Establishment will inform the Immigration Department, which has the right to rescind the indefinite stay or to indicate to the person that he / she needs to apply for a permit of stay and / or a work permit until such time there is full free movement in the Community.

Extension of Stay
In the event that the business is not established within 6-month period, the CARICOM National should present to the Immigration Department or other relevant department so designated by the Member State, evidence from the Competent Authority that concrete steps have been undertaken to establish the business.

Where such evidence is provide, the CARICOM National will be granted an extension of 6 months.

Rubber Stamps
There shall be specific stamps for the definite entry of 6 months, the extension of 6 months and the indefinite stay with the following text -
i. Right of Establishment – Definite Entry of 6 months;
ii. Right of Establishment – Extension; and
iii. Right of Establishment – indefinite Entry

A CARICOM national whose passport is stamped with one of the above is automatically entitled to Immigration Status of Managerial, Supervisory and Technical Staff

The immigration status of such relevant staff will be linked to the rights of the businesspersons. The contracts of these staff members will be taken into account.

Rights of Spouse and Immediate Dependent Members of the Family

Spouses and immediate family members currently have the following right;
• the right to move with or to join the principal mover in the host country;
• freedom of movement, including freedom to leave and re-enter the host country without seeking further permission.

Irrevocability of Permission of Refusal to Enter

The permission to enter shall be irrevocable, except for cause and by a procedure which would render at least a member of some category of citizens of the host country liable to deportation, extradition or other from of expulsion.

A Member State can refuse a qualified CARIOCM National entry into its territory if there are sufficient grounds to believe that the CARICOM National will pose a serious threat to public order, public health and public security.

A CARICOM National who is seeking to enter another Member State will be granted entry for definite of indefinite duration, depending on the origin of the Certificate of Recognition of CARICOM Skills Qualification presented.

When the Certificate is issued by the designated Minister of the home country or by another Member State, CARICOM Nationals will be granted entry for six months, during which they much have their qualifications verified by the designated Minister of the hist country.

CARICOM Nationals will be allowed indefinite entry when the Certified is issued by the designated Minister of the host country or when the designated Minister indicates, after verification of the qualifications, that the person is indeed a Skilled CARICOM National.

Procedures at the Port of Entry

At the port of entry the CARICOM National must present a valid passport to the immigration officer along with the CARICOM Skills Certificate. Immigration Departments would insert a stamp to indicate in the passport the duration of stay and status of the CARICOM National.

If a CARICOM National arrives at a port of entry and does not have a Skills Certificate the Immigration Officer would grant the usual period of stay for visitors.

• In the case of definite entry, the stamp should read –

 “FREE MOVEMENT DEFINITE ENTRY – RIGHT TO WORK – VERFICATION REQUIRED”
 
• In the case of the indefinite entry, the stamp may read –

 “FREE MOVEMENT INDEFINITE ENTRY – RIGHT TO WORK”

Immigration Officials should indicate to a CARICOM National who is entering with Skills Certificate issued by another Member State that verification is required within the period of six months. In addition they should provide the recipient of definite entry status with relevant information to complete the process leading to indefinite entry status.

Social Security

A CARICOM National, who is a wage earner, must be insured in the Member State where he or she is employed and must therefore make contributions to the respective Social Security Organisation. He/She is entitled to the same benefits as nationals of the host country.

The CARICOM Agreement on Social Security came into effect on April 1st, 1997. It protects all entitlements to long term benefits by providing for the totaling of all the contributions which were paid to the respective Social Security Organisations in the Member States, where a national previously worked. Suriname is the exception since it does not have a comparable social security system.

Benefits for Holder of the Certificate

A CARICOM National holding a Certificate of Recognition of CARICOM Skills Qualification will not be subjected to:

• any restriction on freedom of movement, including the freedom to leave and re-enter his or her host country;
• any restriction on the right to engage in gainful employment or other occupation;
• discriminatory selection in filling vacancies;
• any restriction on freedom to access property for his/her residence;
• any restriction on spouses and immediate dependent family members to move with the holder.

NON-WAGE EARNERS

Non-wage earners are persons who are self-employed CARICOM Nationals. All CARICOM Nationals have the right to work as self-employed persons in any Member State participating in the CSME.

Non-wage earners may also be companies and other legal forms of business, organizations and have the right to move managerial, technical and supervisory staff from one CSME Member state to another.

This right of non-wage earners can be exercised through:
• the right of establishment and
• the provision of services

RIGHT OF ESTABLISHMENT

CARICOM Nationals have the right to work as self-employed persons in the CSME and thus can move to another Member State to establish a business on an indefinite basis. This is generally referred to as the Right of Establishment, which includes the following rights:

• to engage in any non-wage earning activities of a commercial, industrial, agricultural, professional or artisanal  nature; and
• to create and manage economic enterprises, which includes any type of organization for the production of, or trade in  goods, or the provision of service owned or controlled by a national of a Member State.

Companies have the right to bring in managerial, supervisory and technical staff in order to further their business.

One important category of persons who use the CSME for the purposes of engagement in gainful economic activity is skilled
workers who work for a company or another person for a wage or salary or, who choose to work for themselves. The term free
movement of skills/labour is used to describe this category.

Free movement of skills/labour includes the right of a CARICOM National, under Article 46 of the Revised Treaty; The
Caribbean Community Skilled National’s Act and the Immigration Laws of CARICOM Member States, to seek work and/or to engage
in gainful employment in all CARCOM Member States, without the need to obtain a work permit in the Member State in which
he/she desires to work.

Who is a CARICOM National?
A CARICOM National is, according to Article 32.5 (A) of the Revised Treaty, a person who is regarded as a National of a
Member State. This is the case if such person:
• is a citizen of that State;
• has a connection with that State of a kind entitles him/her to be regarded as belonging to, or if it be so
        expressed, as being a native or resident of the State for the purpose of the laws thereof relating to immigration.

Free Movement of Skills is not a Right to Permanent Residency or Citizenship

There are currently no rights regarding free movement solely for purposes of residency or permanent naturalization or
citizenship. If a person wishes to migrate from one CARICOM State to live in another, he/she must still apply for residency
or citizenship, in accordance with the laws of the host country.

The persons who are eligible for free movement of skills/labour must be engaged in some kind of legitimate economic activity
in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy as either a wage-earner or non-wage earner.

1. WAGE EARNERS
The following categories of wage earners are entitled to move and work freely in the Community:

CARICOM Nationals who are:
1. Graduates of all recognized universities in the world
2. Artistes
3. Musicians
4. Sportspersons
5. Media Workers
6. Nurses
7. Teachers
8. Artisans with a Caribbean Vocational Qualification
9. Holders of Associate Degrees or comparable qualification

If a CARICOM National does not fall in any of the above-mentioned wage earning categories, then he/she must apply for a work
permit if he/she wishes to work in another Member State.

Approved Definitions of skills/labour

Graduates
Graduates, for the purpose of free movement of skills, are persons who have obtained at least a bachelor’s degree from a
recognized university or a professional qualification which is equivalent to at least a bachelor’s degree.

Media Persons
Media persons are persons whose primary source of income is drawn from media and media-related work, or persons who are
qualified to enter this field.

Such persons perform the functions of:
• media managers and administrators
• editors and sub-editors
• reporters, producers, announcers and broadcasters
• camera operators, sound engineering and video technicians
• production workers in the print and electronic media, etc.
• graphic artists, cartoonists and photographers
• editorial staff, programming staff and newsroom staff and
• other related personnel whose functions are not here classified

ARTISTS
Artists, for the purposes of the free movement of skills are persons, who are active in or qualified to enter a particular
field of art with the specific purpose to earn a living.

Such persons perform functions, such as, but not limited to:
• Visual artistes
o Fine Artists
o Costume builder
o Costume designer
o Fashion designer
o Set fashion
o Make-up artist
o Stylists
o Interior designer
o Textile designer
o Architects
o Landscape artist
o Graphic artist
o Print artist

• Performance artistes
o Dancer
o Actor
o Choreographer
o Director
o Performance poet
o Story teller
o Folk-performer
o Puppeteer

• Literary artistes
o Creative writer
o Novelist
o Poet
o Essayist
o Short-story writer
o Playwright
o Scriptwriter
o Lyricist

• Cultural workers/managers/technicians
o Producer
o Stage designer
o Lighting technician
o Sound designer
o Sound technician
o Arts administrator
o Production assistant
o Holders of traditional knowledge

MUSICIANS
Musicians, for the purposes of free movement of skills, are persons who are active in, or qualified to enter a particular
filed of music with specific purpose of earning a living.

Such persons perform functions such as, but not limited to:
• player of musical instrument
• singer
• songwriter
• band/orchestra leader
• conductor
• promoter
• events manager

SPORTSPERSONS
Sportspersons, for the purposes of free movement of skills, are persons who are active in or qualified to enter a particular
field of sports with the specific purpose of earning a living as a professional or semi-professional..

Such persons perform functions such as, but not limited to:
• athletes
• coaches
• team leader
• sports manager
• sports promoter
• massage therapists
• events manager

NURSES
These are persons who have successfully completed basic or higher level training for nurses; who are registered with the
General Nursing Council of a CARICOM Member State and are designated Registered Nurses.

TEACHERS
Teachers are persons who have successfully completed an approved pre-service or in-service teacher preparation programme
from an accredited/recognised institution offering teacher education

MANAGERIAL STAFF
ISCO-88 gives the following description of a manager:

Managers determine and formulate policies and plan, direct and coordinate the activities of enterprises and organizations,
or their internal departments or section.

TECHNICAL STAFF
ISCO-88 gives the following description of technicians and associate professionals:

Technicians and associate professionals perform mostly technical and related tasks connected with research and the
application of scientific or artistic concepts and operational methods and government or business regulations and teach at
certain educational levels.
Tasks performed by technicians and associate professionals usually include: undertaking and carrying out technical work
connected with research and the application of concepts and operational methods in the fields of physical sciences, including
engineering and technology; life sciences, including the medical profession; and the social sciences and humanities. Tasks
also include: teaching children at primary and pre-primary levels; teaching and educating handicapped persons; initiating and
carrying out various technical services related to trade, finance, administration, including administration of a number of
government laws and regulations, and to social work; providing artistic and sports entertainment; and executing some
religious tasks. Supervision of other workers may be included.

ARTISANS
An artisan is a skilled workman or craftsman.
ISCO gives the following description:

Craft and related trades workers apply their specific knowledge and skills in the fields of mining and construction, form
metal, erect metal structures, set machine tools’ or make, fit, maintain and repair machinery, equipment or tools, carry out
printing work as well as produce or process foodstuffs, textiles, or wooden, metal and other article, including handicraft
goods.

The work is carried out by hand and by hand-powered and other tools which are used to reduce the amount of physical effort
and time required for specific tasks, as well as to improve the quality of the products. The tasks call for an understanding
of all stages of the production process, the materials and tools used, and the nature and purpose of the final product.

Tasks performed by craft and related trades workers usually include: extracting and working solid minerals; constructing,
maintaining and repairing buildings and other structures; casting, welding and shaping metal; installing and erecting heavy
metal structures, tackle and related equipment; making machinery, tools, equipment, and other metal articles; setting for
operators, or setting and operating various machine tools; fitting, maintaining and repairing industrial machinery, including
engines and vehicles, as well as electrical and electronic instruments and other precious-metal articles, pottery, glass and
related products; producing handicrafts; executing printing work; producing and processing foodstuff and various articles
made of wood, textiles, leather and related materials. Supervision of other workers may be included.

HOLDERS OF ASSOCIATE DEGREES OF COMPARABLE QUALIFICATION
CARICOM Nationals who are eligible must be holders of an Associate Degree of Equivalent Qualifications who have obtained an
Associate Degree from an accredited/recognised  university or college or have obtained a professional, technical or
vocational qualification which is comparable to an Associate Degree.

At its Sixteenth Meeting held in Guyana on 10-12 October 2007, the Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) agreed
that comparable qualifications will be:
• 2 CAPE / ‘A’ Levels;
• Certified Accounting Technician Qualification;
• National Technician Certificates requiring two years of study at the post-secondary level;
• Other comparable qualifications to be indentified and complied in a comprehensive list for the guidance of the
        Competent Authority in Member States.

The CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) is not only about goods and capital. Indeed it is mainly about people. In fact
within the Revised Treaty Establishing the Caribbean Community, which includes the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME),
there are several provisions dealing with persons. None, however, are more important in a genuine Single Market and Economy
than the provisions relating to the free movement of persons.

Article 45 of the Revised Treaty declares that Member States commit themselves to the goal of free movement of their national
within the community.

The agreements which CARICOM Governments have made concerning free movement of persons are written in the Revised Treaty.
Decisions such as new classes of persons who are eligible to move and transfer of social security benefits were made by the
Ministerial Organs and Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community.

The agreements in the Revised Treaty can be divided into two main parts, namely;

1. Free Movement for the purposes of engagement in gainful economic activity and
2. Hassle-Free Travel / Facilitation of Travel

Free movement for gainful economic activity within the CSME is available to wage earners, self-employed persons and to person
s establishing companies and other types of business organizations.
The main changes brought about by the CSME are;

• the abolition of the work permit,
• the introduction of the CARICOM Certificate of Recognition of Skills Qualification, (CARICOM Skills Certificate)
• definite entry for 6 months,
• indefinite stay in a Member State and
• the right to transfer one’s social security benefits from one CARICOM State to another.

Hassle free travel is a necessary condition for persons to fully enjoy the rights connected to movement for the purposes of
engagement in gainful economic activity. It includes;

• the Common ED Card
• the CARICOM Line at immigration points
• abolition of the need for a visa and
• the CARICOM Passport

SOCIAL SECURITY IN CARICOM

The CARICOM Agreement on Social Security was signed in Georgetown,
Guyana on 1 March 1996 and came into effect on 1 April 1997. From this
date persons can thus apply for benefits under the Agreement.
The Agreement is intended to protect CARICOM Nationals’ entitlement to benefits
and provide equality of treatment when moving from one country to another.
The Agreement is seen as key in facilitating the free movement of labour
within the CARIOM Single Market, but it applies to all persons who are moving
to work or have worked in two or more countries that have implemented the
Agreement.

The Agreement is in effect in the following CARICOM Member States:
• Antigua and Barbuda
• The Bahamas
• Barbados
• Belize
• Dominica
• Grenada
• Guyana
• Jamaica
• Montserrat
• St. Kitts and Nevis
• Saint Lucia
• St. Vincent and The Grenadines, and
• Trinidad and Tobago.

The Agreement is not in effect in Suriname and Haiti.
Note: This booklet contains information about the CARICOM Agreement on Social Security.
It provides general guidance only and should not be treated as a complete and authoritative
statement of the law.

How The Agreement Applies

The Agreement allows CARICOM countries to coordinate their social security
programmes and refers to payments of pensions for:
• Invalidity
• Disablement
• Old age or Retirement
• Survivors’ benefits and
• Death benefits.

Under this Reciprocal Agreement, insured persons are entitled to benefits from
one or more of the Social Security Organisations in the various CARICOM Member
States for which they qualify.
When going to another CARICOM Member State to work, persons should inform
the Directors of the Social Security Organisations in their home country
and host country. The date of departure and overseas address should be presented.
This will enable the accurate capturing of contributions and payment
of benefits while residing in the host country. One should also inform that Organisation
of any subsequent change of address. Upon returning to the usual
place of residence, the home Organisation should be notified.

Coverage

Social Security Organisations require all employed persons to register
and pay contributions. Migrant or travelling workers are usually at a
disadvantage when they leave a particular country without making sufficient
contributions to qualify for benefits. The CARICOM Agreement
therefore ensures that the rights and obligations of certain workers are
secured. As such, if you work in transnational enterprises; international
transportation; on a ship; in Diplomatic Missions, Consulates and International
Organisations; are self-employed, travelling from country to
country, the Agreement applies to you.

Workers in Transnational Enterprises

If you are insured and employed in one CARICOM Member State, for example,
Barbados, and your employer sends you to work in another CARICOM Member
State, for example, Saint Lucia for a period not exceeding twenty-four (24)
months, you will remain insured under the law and regulations of Barbados
while you are working in Saint Lucia. If, due to unforeseen circumstances, the
assignment exceeds this time, the laws and regulations of Barbados remain
applicable until the work is completed, subject to the approval of the Saint
Lucia Social Security Organisation.

Workers in International Transportation

If you are insured and employed in international transportation - that is, of
passengers or goods by road, inland waterway or air in two or more CARICOM
Member States - you will be insured in the country where:
• the principal place of business is located;
• a subsidiary, branch or agency of your company is located, if you are employed
  by any of these and the location is different from the country of
  the company’s principal place of business; or
• you are resident and ordinarily employed, even if the company employing
  you does not have its principal place of business, or a branch, subsidiary
  or agency in that country.

Workers on Ships

1. If you are insured and employed by a company that is your regular employer,
   either in one country, for example, Jamaica, or on board a ship flying
   the flag of that country, and you are sent by that company to work on
   board a ship flying the flag of another country, for example, St. Vincent and
   the Grenadines, you will remain insured in Jamaica subject to:
   a) the legislation of the first country (in this case, Jamaica), provided that
      employment does not exceed twenty-four (24) months;
   b) the legislation of the first country, if due to unforeseen circumstances
      the work exceeds twenty-four (24) months. This legislation will apply
      subject to agreement by the two countries concerned (in this case,
      Jamaica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines).

2. If you normally follow your occupation in the territorial waters, in a port in
   one country, e.g., Barbados, or on board a ship flying the flag of another
   country, e.g., Saint Lucia, but you are not a member of the ship’s crew, you
   will remain insured in the country where you normally follow your occupation,
   i.e., Barbados in this example.

3. If you are insured and employed on board a ship flying the flag of one
   country, but you are paid by an organisation or person whose principal
   place of business/residence is located in another, you will be insured under
   the Law of the second country if you reside there. The company or person
   paying the salary/wage is considered the employer for the purpose of the
   application of the legislation.

Workers in Diplomatic Missions, Consulates and International Organisations
The regulation for workers on ships and international transportation also applies
to members of the service staff of diplomatic missions, consulates or international
organisations and persons employed in the private service of
officials of such organisations. However, such workers who are nationals of a
CARICOM Member State, e.g., Trinidad and Tobago, which is a sending state,
may opt to be insured under the Scheme in the country where that person is
a national (the Trinidad and Tobago National Insurance Office in this case).

The Agreement does NOT apply to diplomatic agents, consular officers or to
persons of equal status in international organisations of which a country is a
member.

Self-employed Persons

1. If you are self-employed and you reside in one CARICOM Member State
   (for example, Guyana), and follow your occupation in another CARICOM
   Member State, for example, Grenada, you will remain insured under the
   Law of Guyana if the Law of Grenada is not applicable to you.
2. If you are a self-employed person who lives in one CARICOM Member State
   (for example, Barbados), and you normally follow your occupation in two
   or more CARICOM Member States – say, Barbados, Dominica and Montserrat,
   you will remain insured in the country in which you live - in this case,
   Barbados, if you work partly in that country.
3. In addition, if you do not follow part of your occupation in the country in
   which you reside, e.g., Barbados, or there is no legislation applicable to you,
   you will be insured under the regulations jointly agreed by the Social Security
   institutions of the other CARICOM Member States in which you work,
   e.g., Dominica and Montserrat.

Itinerant Workers (Workers travelling from country to country)
If you are an insured person who lives in one Member State e.g., Belize, and
you are employed other than in international transportation and normally follow
your occupation in two or more CARICOM Member States including Belize,
you will remain insured in the country where you normally reside, i.e., Belize,
in this example.

This rule also applies if you are employed by two or more employers who have
their principal places of business or residence in different countries.

Compulsory and Voluntary Insurance Schemes

If you are insured under the Law of one country, e.g., Barbados, and you are
permitted to voluntarily contribute at the same time to another compulsory
insurance plan, you will be insured under the first country’s scheme only (in
this case Barbados).
If you are permitted to voluntarily contribute to two or more compulsory insurance
schemes, you are entitled to be insured under the scheme in the country
where you reside. If you do not live in one of the CARICOM Member States,
you should be insured under the scheme of the country where you last worked.

Benefits

• Invalidity Pensions
• Disablement Pensions
• Old Age or Retirement Pensions
• Survivors’ Pension
• Death Benefits

How To Become Eligible For A Benefit

As already stated, benefits payable under this Agreement are long term i.e.
pensions. If you have been subject to the legislation of two or more CARICOM
Member States and you satisfy the conditions for a benefit in all of these Member
States, you or your survivors are entitled to a benefit according to the legislation
of the CARICOM Member States concerned.

If you have not paid enough contributions to qualify for a benefit in the CARICOM
Member State in which you reside, the contributions you have paid in
other CARICOM Member States will be taken into account. You may receive
the portion of the benefit to which you are entitled if you have satisfied the
relevant conditions. The portion of the benefit you receive will reflect the level
of your contributions in relation to the total contributions required to qualify
for the benefit.

For example, in Barbados, a person requires at least 500 contributions in order
to qualify for an Old Age Contributory Pension. The minimum pension payable
is $98.00 per week. Suppose you are living in Barbados and you have only
made 300 contributions to the Barbados Pension Scheme. However, you previously
worked in Trinidad and Tobago, where you made 200 contributions.
The portion of the pension to which you are entitled in Barbados will therefore
be calculated based on your contributions to the Barbados scheme:

                     300/500 x $98.00 = $58.80

If the qualifying age for a benefit in one country, e.g., Antigua and Barbuda, is
lower than the qualifying age in another country, e.g., Barbados, the first country
– in this case, Antigua and Barbuda - should pay you or your survivors directly.
On the other hand, if the qualifying age in the first country (Antigua
and Barbuda), is higher than the qualifying age in the second country (Barbados),
you will not be entitled to receive the portion of the benefit payable by
Antigua and Barbuda before attaining the qualifying age stipulated in that
country’s legislation.

Invalidity Pension

The Social Security Organisation under whose legislation you are making your
claim will take into account all of the medical and administrative information
provided by the Social Security Institution of any other CARICOM Member
State in which you would have made contributions.
Each Institution retains the right to have you examined by a doctor of its choice
at its own expense.

If the legislation of the countries in which you are insured allows, invalidity
pension could be converted to old age or retirement pension.

Dependants

If the legislation of one CARICOM Member State, e.g., The Bahamas, specifies
that the amount of a benefit varies according to the number of dependants,
those who are resident in another CARICOM Member State, e.g., St. Kitts and
Nevis, will be taken into account as if they were resident in The Bahamas.
Where required, a certificate issued by the Social Security institution of the
other CARICOM Member State (in this case, St. Kitts and Nevis) should be submitted
regarding dependants who are living there.
The Certificate is valid for twelve months from the date of issue and is renewable.

If you reside in one CARICOM Member State but are entitled to receive a benefit
from another CARICOM Member State, that benefit may be paid directly to you or
it may be paid to you through the National Insurance institution in the country of
abode. However, if the latter arrangement will be put in place, you will be notified.

Claiming Benefits: Submission of Claims

You may submit your claim to the Social Security institution in the country
where you reside.
The claim will then be referred to the relevant institution(s).
Any claim, application, declaration or appeal should be submitted within the
time period specified in the national legislation of the institution to which the
claim is being submitted.
The date on which your claim is received in the country where you reside will
be considered as the date of the claim.

Documents to Accompany Claims

You must submit the following documents, as necessary, with your claims:
• Proof of Age
• Your certified Birth Certificate and Affidavit, if applicant’s name does
   not appear on the Birth Certificate or
• a Valid Passport or
• an Electoral Identification Card, where applicable;
• Change Of Name
• Marriage Certificate
• Deed Poll
• Other
• Letter of Co-habitation

The claims should be submitted on the forms prescribed by the legislation of the
country in which you were, or the deceased person was last insured.

The accuracy of the information given by you should be supported by official
documents, which should be attached to the claim form, or confirmed by the
authorities in the country/countries where you worked and paid contributions.
You should indicate, where possible, the invalidity, retirement, old age or survivors’
benefit institution(s) of each country to whose legislation you or the
deceased person have or had been subject, or the employer(s) by whom you
or the deceased have or had been employed in a CARICOM Member State.
Any certificates of employment in your possession should be submitted.

Examination of Claims

All claims should be examined by the institution to which they have been submitted.
The institutions concerned will then be advised immediately so that
the examination of the claims can be done at the same time to avoid delays.
After each Social Security institution has agreed on the portion of the benefit
which is to be paid, you will be informed of the amount you should receive from
each institution.
You will also be informed of Appeal Procedures.

Provision for Recovery of Excess or Advanced Payments

If the Social Security institution in one country has overpaid you, or has made
an advance payment of benefits, that institution may request any other institution
responsible for paying you corresponding benefits, to deduct the amount overpaid
or advanced from the payments it is making to you.

Currency of Payment

If you are living in one CARICOM Member State (e.g., Guyana) and are entitled
to a benefit from another CARICOM Member State, e.g., Saint Lucia, you will be

paid in the currency of the country in which you reside, i.e., Guyana, but at
the same rate as if you lived in the first country, e.g., Saint Lucia.

Termination of The Agreement

In the event of a withdrawal from, or termination of the CARICOM
Agreement, all rights acquired will be honoured and negotiations
will take place for the settlement of any rights.

General Information

When writing to the Director, National Insurance you should state:
• Your full name
• Your address
• Your telephone number (where applicable)
• Your National Insurance Number/Social Security Number
• Your National Registration Number (in the case of Barbados) or
• Your Electoral Identification Card Number.

Should you require additional information about the CARICOM Social Security
Agreement, address your enquiries to the Social Security institution in your
country of residence or your country of origin.

ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
The Director
Social Security Scheme
P.O. Box 1125
Long Street
St. John’s
ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA
Tel.: (268) 481-3000
Fax: (268) 481-3090
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THE BAHAMAS
The Director
The National Insurance Board
P.O. Box N-7508
Nassau
THE BAHAMAS
Tel.: (242) 502-1500
Fax.: (242) 322-2923
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BARBADOS
The Director
National Insurance Office
Frank Walcott Building
‘Flodden’
Culloden Road
St. Michael
BARBADOS
Tel.: (246) 431-7400
Fax: (246) 431-7408
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BELIZE
The Manager
Belize Social Security Board
P.O. Box 18
Bliss Parade
Belmopan
BELIZE
Tel.: (501) 8-22163/22471
Fax: (501) 8-23331
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DOMINICA
The Director
Dominica Social Security
P.O. Box 772
Roseau
Commonwealth of Dominica
Tel.: (767) 448-2111
Fax: (767) 448-5704
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GRENADA
The Director
National Insurance Scheme
P.O. Box 322
Melville Street
St. George’s
GRENADA
Tel.: (473) 440-3309
Fax: (473) 440-6636
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GUYANA
The General Manager
National Insurance Scheme
Brickdam & Winter Place
Georgetown
GUYANA
Tel.: 011 (592) 225-2793/5
Fax: 011 (592) 225-9377
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JAMAICA
The Director
National Insurance Scheme
Ministry of Labour, Welfare and Sports
14 Heroes Circle
P.O. Box 10
Kingston 4
JAMAICA
Tel.: (876) 922-8000-13
Fax: (876) 924-9639
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or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

MONTSERRAT
The Director
Social Security Board
P.O. Box 170
Cheapend
St. Peter’s
MONTSERRAT
Tel.: (664) 491-2567/3667
Fax: (664) 491-6145
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ST. KITTS AND NEVIS
The Director
Social Security Board
P.O. Box 79
Basseterre
ST. KITTS AND NEVIS
Tel.: (869) 466-6930
Fax: (869) 465-5051
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SAINT LUCIA
The Director
National Insurance Corporation
Francis Compton Building
The Waterfront
Castries
SAINT LUCIA
Tel.: (758) 452-2808
Fax: (758) 451-9882
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ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
Executive Director
National Insurance Services
P.O. Box 305
Administrative Centre
Kingstown
ST. VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES
Tel.: (784) 456-1514
Fax: (784) 456-2604
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TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
The Executive Director
National Insurance Board
2A Cipriani Boulevard
Port-of-Spain
TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO
Tel.: (868) 663-4647
Fax: (868) 624-0276
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If you live in an Associate Member State and require information about the CARICOM
Social Security Agreement send your enquiries to the respective Social Security
institutions :

ANGUILLA
The Director
Social Security Office
James Ronald Webster Building
The Valley
ANGUILLA
Tel.: (264) 497-2201/2
Fax: (264) 497-5649
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BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
The Director
Social Security Board
P.O.Box 698, Road Town,
Tortola
or
The Valley
Virgin Gorda
BRITISH VIRGIN ISLANDS
Tel.: (284) 494-3418
Fax: (284) 494-6022
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TURKS AND CAICOS ISLANDS
The Director
Turks & Caicos Islands National Insurance Board
P.B. Box 250
Misick’s Building
Grand Turk
Turks and Caicos Islands
Tel.: (649) 946-1048
Fax: (649) 946-1362
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BERMUDA
The Director
Department of Social Insurance
30 Parlimet Street
Hamilton
Bermuda
Tel.: (441) 295-5151
Fax: (441) 292-5267
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CAYMAN ISLANDS
National Pensions Office
2nd Floor Anderson Square
George Town
Grand Cayman
P.O. Box 2182 GT, Grand Cayman
Tel.: (345) 945-8960
Fax: (345) 945-8961
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An artisan is a skilled workman or craftsman. ISCO-88 gives the following description:

Craft and related trades workers apply their specific knowledge and skills in the fields of mining and construction, form metal, erect metal structures, set machine tools; or make, fit, maintain and repair machinery, equipment or tools, carry out printing work as well as produce or process foodstuffs, textiles, or wooden, metal and other articles, including handicraft goods.

The work is carried out by hand and by hand-powered and other tools which are used to reduce the amount of physical effort and time required for specific tasks, as well as to improve the quality of the products. The tasks call for an understanding of all stages of the production process, the materials and tools used, and the nature and purpose of the final product.

Tasks performed by craft and related trades workers usually include:

• extracting and working solid minerals; constructing, maintaining and repairing buildings and other structures; casting, welding and shaping metal;
• installing and erecting heavy metal structures, tackle and related equipment;
• making machinery, tools, equipment, and other metal articles;
• setting for operators, or setting and operating various machine tools;
• fitting, maintaining and repairing industrial machinery, including engines and vehicles, as well as electrical and electronic instruments and other equipment;
• making precision instruments, jewellery, household and other precious-metal articles, pottery, glass and related products;
• producing handicraft;
• executing printing work;
• producing and processing foodstuff and various articles made of wood, textiles, leather and related materials.

Supervision of other workers may be included.

ISCO-88 provides the following description of technicians and associate professionals: Technicians and associate professionals perform mostly technical and related tasks connected with research and the application of scientific or artistic concepts and operational methods, and government or business regulations, and teach at certain educational levels.

Tasks performed by technicians and associate professionals usually include: undertaking and carrying out technical work connected with research and the application of concepts and operational methods in the fields of physical sciences, including engineering and technology; life sciences, including the medical profession; and the social sciences and humanities. Tasks also include: teaching children at primary and pre-primary levels; teaching and educating handicapped persons; initiating and carrying out various technical services related to trade, finance, administration, including administration of a number of government laws and regulations, and to social work; providing artistic and sports entertainment; and executing some religious tasks. Supervision of other workers may be included.

Managerial Staff ISCO-88 gives the following description of a manager: Managers determine and formulate policies and plan, direct and coordinate the activities of enterprises and organizations, or their internal departments or section.

Teachers are persons who have successfully completed an approved pre- service or in service teacher preparation programme from an accredited/ recognized institution offering teacher education.

These are persons who have successfully completed basic or higher level training for nurses; who are registered with the General Nursing Council of a CARICOM Member State and are designated Registered Nurses.