By Saju Ng’alla
Under the Caribbean Single Market Economy foreigners will not be able over run the Federation, said Hon. Timothy Harris, minister of foreign affairs, international trade, industry and commerce.
Harris made these remarks at a CSME panel discussion at Gingerland Wesleyan Holiness Church.
“At any time in the national interest, a country can seek a waiver of any obligation under CSME,” Harris said.
Also Harris pointed out that only six categories of workers — graduates, media workers, sports personalities, artistes, musician and those qualifying under the regime of rights of establishment — can move in search of work in the region.
“None of these approved groups bring consistently large flows into our country,” Harris said. “How many musicians have come? How long do they stay? A day or two for performance? The media workers can be counted on our hand, so too we can count the artistes for they come now and again.”
As for the graduates, Harris said the Federation is in need of them to fill vacancies in schools and the health sector. He pointed out that graduate employees are most likely to contribute to the positive socioeconomic development of the host country. And, that could lead to a higher standard of living and a decrease in crime.
Harris said CSME would not allow for criminals to move across national borders.
“There is no such provision and if someone were to enter our country and transgressed our laws, our sense of decency, law and order and so on, we have enough power and authority to deport the person,” Harris said.
The Federation can refuse a qualified CARICOM national entry if information shows that person will pose a threat to public order.
“There is very good reason why we insist on police certificate from all applicants,” Harris said.
Harris pointed out that persons who are eligible for free movements must show that they are coming to the Federation to engage in some kind of legitimate economic activity. He said persons will not be allowed to come to the Federation just for residency.
“We must know work permits are still very much in place and vogue,” Harris said. He said CARICOM nationals who do not qualify under CSME will require a work permit to work in the Federation.
