The Caribbean Community and Common Market’s controversial initiative to allow workers freedom of access to jobs among fellow member countries, has led to a deeper think and a new, collaborative consultancy with the International Labour Organisation.

The Caricom initiative would integrate member-states and associates into a single economic unit, creating the free movement of capital, services, technology and skilled professionals within the region.

The Caribbean Single Market and Economy is an initiative of the 20 member states and associates that make up Caricom. Bahamas and Montserrat earlier opted out of the plan.

The new consultancy that began Tuesday is called “Free Movement of persons in the Caricom Region: undertaking labour market analysis in the region to inform the development of a comprehensive labour migration policy for the region”.

The study will further explore the effects of climate change on jobs and labour mobility, consider casual chains, identify opportunities and challenges, and recommend possible strategies for improving productive employment in the Caricom region.

During the virtual launch, officials discussed the importance of the analysis in “shaping sustainable migration policies that reflect the region's complex socio-economic realities”.

After data collection, stakeholder consultations, sectoral analysis and reports expected by April, the study culminates with a “validation workshop to ensure alignment with national and regional goals”.

The employers and workers’ organisations, represented by the Caribbean Congress of Labour and Caribbean Employers’ Confederation, the Caricom Private Sector Organization, along with the University of West Indies, support the initiative, and have confirmed their readiness to oversee the work as members of the project steering committee.

The statement said: “Key participants included permanent secretaries, ambassadors to Caricom, labour commissioners and senior labour officers, CSME focal points, statistical officers, data managers, technical liaison officers and other relevant stakeholders.

Leo Preville, director of CSM, said: “The development of policies to enhance the smooth movement of people is central to the success of the CSME. An evidence-based approach to the development of policy is therefore central.”

He said: “The development of the labour migration policy component of the regional migration policy must be centred on a sound analysis. The study will provide the opportunity for a close and detailed assessment of both the demand and supply sides of labour in the Community as well as provide an understanding of the migration dynamics taking place in the Community.

“This understanding is especially important in the context of the standing decision of the heads of Government to work towards the free movement of all Caricom nationals.”

ILO employment and labour market specialist Abdelmalik Muhummed emphasised: “Migration presents challenges and opportunities for long-term socio-economic development in this region.

“The ILO is pleased to partner with Caricom on this landmark study that will provide critical insights into how migration can enhance workforce dynamics for inclusive sustainable growth that prioritises decent work and social justice in Caribbean member states.”