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GEORGETOWN, Guyana (GINA) -- Based on a series of studies commissioned by the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat over the last three years, the findings point to the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) operating at a level of about 64 percent compliance overall.

A CARICOM press release stated that the five core regimes that were examined during the studies include the free movement of skills, free movement of goods, free movement of services, movement of capital and the right of establishment.

The release said that the CSME regimes are functioning but not at the level of effectiveness anticipated by CARICOM.

The CSME functions on the basis of a number of central legislation, institutional arrangements and administrative processes which form part of the foundation elements from which compliance is determined and measured.

According to the findings, free movement of skills is operating at 66 percent, free movement of goods, 80 percent, free movement of services 37 percent, movement of capital 72 percent and, the right of establishment 64 percent.

The study also identified several deficiencies including in the areas of free movement of services and the regime on the right of establishment.

“In addition there is need for improvement with the regime for the free movement of skills regarding the level of efficiency and effectiveness of administrative transactions between government authorities and CARICOM nationals,” the release noted.

The CARICOM Secretariat said that the studies were designed to help create the capabilities within member states to deliver the rights conferred under the body’s agreements and, to further enhance CSME’s effectiveness.

The studies were facilitated through the CARICOM Trade and Competitiveness Project (CTCP) via an arrangement between Canada and CARICOM.

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