Caricom crea un servicio de asistencia a trabajadores que circulen dentro de los países miembros

Support services for domestic workers and artisans moving to work in CSME countries launched

Domestic workers and artisans in five countries who want to move to another country within the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) now have access to support services through collaboration with the Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) under the ‘Making CSME Work for Domestics and Artisans’ project.

The project, operational in Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, St Kitts and Nevis and Trinidad and Tobago, is designed to facilitate the implementation of the free movement of skilled workers regime under the CSME for domestic workers and artisans. Under the regime, the two groups will have the opportunity to earn a living and support their families wherever they desire within the 13 member states of the CSME.

“The CPDC is looking forward to the full implementation of this regime for artisans and domestics so that they may enjoy their rights under the regimes in the same manner as the other categories of workers are currently able to do,” stated Shantal Munro-Knight, executive director of the Caribbean Policy Development Centre. “Once the regime is fully implemented throughout the CSME, it will allow for a smoother, less time-consuming experience for artisans and domestics from St Kitts and Nevis when they enter another member state to work.”

The Support Service agencies in each country will assist Domestic Workers and Artisans who want to move within the CSME to work in a number of ways from providing information and documentation on the Free Movement Regime to guiding them to areas where they can obtain information on employment opportunities in their new home country; accommodation and housing information, and advice and information on applying for the Regime and obtaining the necessary certification.

”The Caribbean Policy Development Centre is delighted to work with our partner organisations in the five target territories in this effort,” continued Munro-Knight. “As governments throughout the CSME put the final touches in place to the freedom of skilled workers regime, these agencies are in place to help domestic workers and artisans in every aspect of their journey as they plan to move to work within the member states.”

The following organisations are providing services to domestic workers and artisans in the project target territories:

• Barbados — The Barbados Workers Union
• Guyana — Red Thread Guyana
• Jamaica — The Jamaica Household Workers Union (JHWU)
• St Kitts and Nevis — The Crafthouse
• Trinidad and Tobago — The National Union of Domestic Employees

The ‘CSME Works for Domestics and Artisans’ project is sponsored by the Caribbean Policy Development (CPDC) and is funded by the Caribbean Aid for Regional Integration and Trade Fund (CARTFund) financed by Department for International Development (DFID) administrated by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

Caribbean News Now