Within the context of a vibrant and dynamic CSME there are at least four areas of social and economic activities that will be broadly influenced by a harmonized system of Metrication throughout the Caribbean Community.
Firstly, the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality
(CROSQ) has the primary role for engendering international competitiveness
in the production and trade of goods and services within the CSME by way
of developing and implementing a regime of harmonized CARICOM Standards
and developing the Standards
Infrastructure in all Member States. To this, end the field of Metrology
and by extension Metrication is critical. Metrology is the science of
measurements which forms the basis for trusted and accepted criteria for
measurement equivalence and comparison which can greatly facilitate trade
and development within the CSME. For this to be effective a programme
of developing Metrication in all States is essential.
Secondly, it is also essential that that the information and statistics compiled within the Region be based on a common system of data collection and reporting in order to be able to accurately and effectively facilitate an integrated system for reporting national and regional performances within specified timeframes. For example, in the area of imports and exports of goods and services by Customs authorities. The adoption and implementation of the metric system by all States of the Caribbean Community would greatly facilitate this process.
Thirdly, the regulatory and administrative framework must be the same throughout the Region to ensure the orderly operation of the CSME in addition to a common customs policy which is binding on all contracting parties since customs officials have a critical role to play in ensuring that the marketing of goods and services and the establishment of an integrated commercial operation be assured.
In this regard, the operation of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) to the creation of the CSME is crucial. This is particularly so with regard to the wide range of Disputes Settlement Mechanisms, obligations to enter into consultations, conciliation proceedings and arbitration. The adoption of the metric system by all States of the Community would greatly facilitate smooth and efficient operation of the CCJ.
