–  seeks to regulate way in which skilled Guyanese who migrate are treated in a foreign country
THE National Assembly, on Thursday last, passed the Caribbean Community (Free entry of Skilled Nationals) Amendment Bill of 2011, into Law which seeks to regulate the way in which skilled Guyanese who migrate are treated in a foreign country.
Foreign Affairs Minister, Ms. Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, who moved the Bill for a second reading and subsequent passage, said it represents additional steps taken by the Guyana Government to meet the required obligations under the revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, particularly as they relate to the free movement of skilled people.
“The special and differential treatment meted out to some of our law-abiding citizens at airports, and parts of our CARICOM territories raises the question of what free movement really means and what we are expecting to achieve,” she said.
Minister Rodrigues-Birkett pointed out that hassle-free travel within and throughout a community is fundamental if there is to be greater interaction among people, which is essential in any integration movement.
She added that free movement currently within CARICOM is not absolute, since there are several categories of skilled people who are allowed to work in participating states of the CSME without a work permit.
“This means, if persons do not qualify under these categories, they must seek a work permit from the respective government. Mr. Speaker, it is recognised that free movement of people within the community will be a gradual process, not only because of the size of our territory and population,” she told the National Assembly.
The Foreign Affairs Minister said that notwithstanding criticisms which are oftentimes justified in many instances, Guyana can boast of considerable progress being made as the country has been consistently playing its part.
During the last appraisal in the implementation of the CSME in 2009, Guyana received a favourable report, with respect to meeting its commitment. According to the minister, while some recommendations were made, the report indicated that “Guyana is substantially compliant.”
Currently, Guyana doesn’t boast any hindrance in the movement of capital, as the country has eliminated its exchange control regime. While the right of establishment is currently in operation, CARICOM nationals can establish a company in Guyana, hassle free.
In this vein, legislation with regard to transference on social security benefits, avoidance of double taxation and the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality, were all enforced by Government.
“On the issue of contingent rights, Mr. Speaker, we also provide emergency and primary health care and hospitalisation to CARICOM nationals on the same basis as we do for Guyanese nationals, even though at this time we are not required to do so by treaty,” she said.
In 1996, the National Assembly passed into Law the Caribbean Community Free Entry Skilled National Act, which stipulates the required qualification in obtaining a schedule 2 certificate, which allows individuals from a participating member state of the CSME to work, without a permit.
Among them are: a Degree from the University of Guyana, West Indies (UWI) and Suriname; any qualification certified by the Secretary General of CARICOM under section (9); and any qualification which the minister may by order, prescribe as satisfied the qualification requirements of the Act.
Since the passage of the Act, the Heads of Government of CARICOM have expanded the categories of persons eligible to work under the CSME to include nine additional categories which include: – media workers, musicians, artistes, sports persons, teachers, registered nurses, persons holding associate degrees, artisans possessing a Caribbean Vocational qualification or an approved national vocational qualification and domestics who have obtained a CVQ.
“What we are doing today, Mr. Speaker, is amending section eight of the principal Act, to add these additional categories. In addition, we are aware that apart from UWI, Guyana and Suriname, there are other duly accredited universities in the region,” she said.
Ms. Rodrigues-Birkett, in justifying the Act, said her ministry has also commenced facilitating the movement of persons under the additional categories with the exception of artisans and domestics, in keeping with a decision made by the Heads of Government.
According to records, approximately 3,301 certificates were issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs since it commenced issuing Skills Certificates in 1997.
Of the total, 2,404 are graduates with University Degrees, 124- trained teachers, 34- registered nurses, 65- musicians, 142- artistes, 43 media workers, 88 – sports persons, 400- associate degrees and equivalent, and 25 non-nationals.
Labour Minister Mr. Manzoor Nadir, in giving support to passage of the Bill last week, stated that Guyana continues to provide leadership to Caricom integration.
Speaking of the many successes achieved, he said that the country not only recorded the most impressive growth rate in GDP, but the lowest unemployment rate in the Caribbean. (GINA)