BELIZE CITY, Belize, CMC:

Barbados' Prime Minister David Thompson is suggesting the 2015 deadline for full implementation of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Single Market and Economy (CSME) may have to be reviewed, in light of the global economic crisis.

Addressing the start of the Fifth Prime Ministerial Sub-Committee Meeting on the CSME here on Wednesday, Thompson said the global situation constituted a 'major' test for the 15-member grouping.

"Today, as we face the repercussions of an unparalleled global economic crisis centred in the developed world, but one which will not escape us, we must again rely on our regional commitments and partnerships.

"This of course is one of the major tests of the Single Market and Economy. Let us determine to shore up the weaker links of our union, be it regulation and oversight of the financial sector or intra-regional transportation," he added.

Thompson, who is the lead prime minister with responsibility for the CSME's creation, stressed the need for corrective action and a review of timelines where necessary.

Strategic plan

He also called for the completion of a strategic plan for implementation of the regional single economy.

"We have the occasion to look at the decisions we have taken prior to this juncture and to examine their effectiveness in light of the recessionary forces at work in the global economy. Our responsibility in this sub-committee is to steer this initiative to our destination with purposefulness and for the betterment of all our people," the Thompson said.

Also in attendance at the meeting hosted by the Community's chairman, Prime Minister Dean Barrow of Belize, were the presidents of Guyana and Suriname, as well as the prime ministers of Dominica, Grenada, Jamaica and St Kitts and Nevis.

St Lucia and St Vincent and the Grenadines were also represented.

A CARICOM statement issued following the talks said the leaders also engaged in 'frank and extensive discussions' on the Single Market Implementation Audit which would determine the level of commitment of the member states to the CSME and contingent rights to be accorded persons who can now freely move and work within the region.

Heads of Government have approved nine categories for free movement of skills - artistes, musicians, university graduates, media workers, sportspersons, teachers, nurses, holders of associate degrees and equivalent qualifications, and artisans who have received a Caribbean Vocational Qualification.