CSME is projected to become a more advanced level of economic co-operation among CARICOM members and is being implemented in two parts: (1) CARICOM Single Market (CSM); and (2) CARICOM Single Economy (CSE). CSME provides for, inter alia…..
* Protection of sensitive products, where small producers can be ‘safeguarded’ against lower-priced and subsidized competing imports;

* Regional Development Fund (RDF) to increase availability and access of development financing and technical assistance, including for growing small business;

* Common laws and institutions to ensure that laws, product standards, trade protocols, and custom procedures are similar across countries to facilitate fair and equal access to free movement and business establishment;

“This edifice is proof of our fortitude. It is symbolic of the oneness of the peoples of the Caribbean. Thus conceived, this headquarters building represents the hope of a true Caribbean community.”

* Special programmes and common support measures, including training, transportation, tourism, environmental protection, investment incentives, etc.

——————————————

THE CARICOM SECRETARIAT HEADQUARTERS BUILDING
(Excerpts from President Bharat Jagdeo’s address at the inauguration ceremony of the CARICOM Secretariat Headquarters on 19th February 2005.)

“This event was planned some time ago and in spite of the floods we decided to go ahead.

“The opening of the permanent headquarters facility represents another step in the arduous enterprise of building our Caribbean nation. As we build, we do so at the confluence of currents that bring both challenges and opportunities. These currents impel us to build an enduring regional institution to the needs and opinions of its people.”

“In significant ways, the process of building a permanent home for the CARICOM Secretariat by the Government of Guyana has mirrored the overall endeavour to create a regional institution.”

“……..The impetus to integrate is merely the injunction of history, and CARICOM’s success will be manifest through the crucible of adversity.”

“It is a happy coincidence that the CARICOM Headquarters should be sited here. Given Guyana’s geo-strategic position on the shoulder of South America, it can serve as an important gateway between the two regions.”

“This edifice is proof of our fortitude. It is symbolic of the oneness of the peoples of the Caribbean. Thus conceived, this headquarters building represents the hope of a true Caribbean community.”

“The people of CARICOM have labored to build a Regional integration structure for more than three decades. This is an eternity in the world of our immediate, but in the grander scheme of things, it is a mere moment. If it is true that the grandest and most enduring human institutions have all taken considerable time to be established then we stand in good company. The impetus to integrate is merely the injunction of history, and CARICOM’s success will be manifest through the crucible of adversity.”

“We must also overcome the disadvantages of history, our small size and weak economies by affirming our common Caribbean identity and making our economies competitive globally.”

“As proud and sovereign nations, we must dare to create institutions of our own that truly satisfy our particular circumstances and needs.”

“This is a propitious moment to revive our hopes, rekindle our dreams, revive our spirits, redouble our enterprise, and resume the march.”