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top Committees
In order to facilitate this process and as part of our obligations under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, the Unit has esytablished two committees to facilitate the smooth implementation of the CSME in Antigua & Barbuda - The Inter-Ministerioal Consultative Committee (IMCC) and the Business Labour Advisory Committee (BLAC)Purpose and mandate of the Committee
Inter-Ministry Consultative Committee (IMCC)
To be comprised of representatives of all Ministries listed above and be responsible for the following:
- Discussing proposals emanating from among themselves, the private sector, the social partners, the CSME Unit and the CARICOM Secretariat and asking recommendations to the Ministry responsible for CARICOM Affairs
- Monitoring and reviewing the progress of the CSME in the Member State as well as the region
- Receiving reports from its membership on CSME implementation in the particular sectors
- Bringing together the technical advice of the relevant Ministries as well as the views of civil society as they relate to decisions that will have implications at a national level.
The Business and Labour Advisory Committee (BLAC)
To be comprised of representatives of commercial and business interests (e.g. The Chamber of Commerce, the Hotels and Tourist Association, Commodity Boards) and Labour Organizations (e.g. Trade Union Councils, Employers Federations, other interest groups such as Non Governmental Organizations promoting social and economic development programmes). The Committee will be responsible for ensuring inputs from various interests into national and regional decision-making.
top Public Awareness Initiatives
| Sept 20 | Panel discussion on the CSME at the Antigua and Barbuda Workers Union 38th Annual Delegates Conference.
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| Sept 16 | Presentation at the GARD Center on the, "Possibilities and Implications of the CSME" to small business persons.
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| Sept 10: | Presentation on the CSME hosted by the Business Seminar Committee of the Antigua Junior Chamber at the City View Hotel.
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| Aug 24: | Seminar with the producer/services Cooperatives on the, "CSME - Its effects on cooperatives and other small business" hosted by the Department of Cooperatives Ministry of Social Transformation.
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| Aug 18: | Presentation on the, "Challenges and Opportunities for small producers" hosted by the Wadadli Herbs and Spices Cooperatives.
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| Jul 16: | Presentation on General Trading Agreements namely the CSME, WTO, and FTAA hosted by the Antigua Anglican Young Peoples Association Island Council at the Police Training School.
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| Jul 16: | Presentation on the, "CSME and its impact on Antigua" at the 1st Anniversary celebration of the Antigua and Barbuda Agriculture Forum for youth.
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| Jul 15: | Presentation on the, "CSME and other Trade Agreements and their impact on Antigua and Barbuda" at the Gilbert Agricultural and Rural Development Center Enterprise Development Training Course.
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| Jul 12-13: | National Youth Forum on the theme, "The CSME and You: Preparing for the Future" hosted by the CSME Unit Ministry of Finance and the Economy (Industry and Commerce at the Multipurpose Cultural Centre and the Holy Trinity School Auditorium in Barbuda.
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| Jun 25: | Presentation on the, "CSME and Globalization" at a workshop hosted by The Training Division.
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| Jun 22: | Presentation on the, "CSME and its effects on the Vending Trade" to the United Vendors Incorporated Association at the Heritage Hotel.
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| Jun 21: | Presentation on the, "Importance and possible impact of the CSME" at a workshop hosted by the Training Division.
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| Jun 17: | Presentation on the, "Implications, opportunities and challenges of the CSME for Antigua and Barbuda at a NDF Training Programme on Industrial and Labour Relations.
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| Jun 8-9: | CARICOM Protocol II Trade Policy and Facilitation Project: Workshop on Opportunities and Commitments for Establishment, Services and Capital in the CSME.
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| Jun 06: | Radio Program on Crusader Radio on "One Caribbean" with host Hezekiah Lewis on Sunday
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| Jun 07: | Commencement of weekly articles in the 'Antigua Sun'.
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| May 15: | The Network of Non-Government and Community Based Organizations in collaboration with the National Working Committee on Trade (NWCT) and the Caribbean Policy Development Center (CPDC) had a training workshop on trade liberalization at the Gilbert Agricultural Rural Development Centre (GARDC).
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| Mar 01: | Presentation on "Caribbean Single Market and Economy and Globalization" as part of a training program at Treasure Island Cruises
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| Feb 23: | Presentation to Club Eldorado - a friendly Guyanese Association on the Free Movement of Skilled and Professional Persons within the Region.
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| Feb 13: | Presentation to Grade 3-6 students at the Freetown Primary School on the nature and implication of the CSME
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| Jan 26: | Presentation on CSME and its implications to Staff Members at the Ministry of Planning, Trade, Industry & Commerce
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| Jan 23: | Presentation to A-level Economic Students on CSME and the implication for Antigua and Barbuda
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| Jan 13: | Presentation at a workshop for Shop stewards sponsored by the Antigua Trades and Labour Union
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top Public Awareness Projections
- A booklet on the CSME specifically for Antigua & Barbuda is presently being produced. Work has already started and should be completed by July 2004. Funding for this exercised was obtained from the United Nations Development Program (UNDP);
- A series of Radio Talk Shows relating to specific issues and frequently asked questions (FAQ's) about the CSME is being negotiated with Hezekiah Lewis of Crusader Radio;
- The initiation of a series of school presentations in the upcoming school term to culminate with a National Youth Forum which will target all youths 21 years and younger during our Independence celebrations to sensitize them on issues related to the CSME as well as implementation and operationalization issues will be conducted and convened respectively;
- CSME Poster competition to coincide with the National Youth Forum during our Independence celebrations;
- In collaboration with the CSME Unit in Barbados the erection of some Billboards for the promotion of the CSME;
- In collaboration with the CSME Unit in Barbados the production of some local Public Service Announcements;
- A country mission by members of the CARICOM Secretariat in September, to speak to specific target audiences such as NGO's, Parliamentarians, Youth etc.
- The production of exercise books for distribution to students in collaboration with LIAT
- The development of a CSME Unit website in collaboration with the IT Center
top Legislative Agenda
In an effort to complete the establishment of the CARICOM Single Market & Economy (CSME) by 2005, CARICOM has encouraged Member States to meet their outstanding obligations by the end of 2004. A major component of these obligations is a program for the removal of restrictions in services. (A copy of this document is attached.) The following is an update of Antigua & Barbuda's progress towards the removal of restrictions as scheduled for the short term, that is, restrictions to be removed by December 31 2003. In addition please find a progress report on the restrictions to be removed by December 31 2004.
Restrictions for 2003:
Alien Landholding
Antigua & Barbuda through the auspices of the Ministries of Finance, Legal Affairs and Trade is actively seeking alternative sources of revenue to replace the revenue presently being generated by the provisions of this Act.
Embarkation Tax
This restriction has been removed.
Work Permit Requirement
Antigua & Barbuda is not able to give any update, it is still being reviewed.
Air Transport Services
The amendment of the Civil Aviation Act was passed in Parliament on November 25th 2003. It was passed in the Senate on December 11th 2003. The Eastern Caribbean Civil Aviation Agreement Act was passed in both Houses on the same dates as the Civil Aviation Act. It is unclear whether the restrictions were re-implemented in this Act.
Restrictions for 2004:
Loans to non-citizens
Major work ongoing and it will be ready for the deadline.
All services using patents, trademarks, copyrights etc.
Official report pending but this is believed to have been amended in December 2003.and is WTO compliant.
Insurance
Presently being reviewed in effort to meet the deadline.
Legal Services
In the process of receiving a position paper from the Antigua & Barbuda Bar Association and should be removed by the deadline.
Engineering
Work ongoing in order to meet the deadline.
Nursing
Actively studying for removal by deadline.
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