The Nineteenth Meeting of the Caribbean Community Council for Human and Social Development (COHSODIX)-Labour, in conjunction with ILO Seventh Meeting of Caribbean Labour Ministers was convened under the theme: Coherence for Human and Social Development in the Caribbean Community: the Contribution of Labour Ministries and the Decent Work Agenda, at the Guyana International Convention Centre, Liliendaal, Greater Georgetown, Guyana on 14-16 April 2010. The Meeting was chaired by the Hon. Karl Hood, Minister of Labour, Grenada.

In attendance were the Hon. Manzoor Nadir, Minister of Labour of Guyana and Host Minister; Ministers of Labour of Barbados, Belize, Grenada, Montserrat, Saint Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Anguilla as well as Member States and Associate Members which were represented by Labour Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries and Senior Labour Officials were Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, Haiti, Jamaica, St. Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago and the Turks and Caicos Islands.

A number of Institutions also participated in the Meeting. These were the Caribbean Association of National Training Agencies (CANTA), the Caribbean Congress of Labour (CCL), the Caribbean Employers’ Confederation (CEC), the Inter-American Commission of Women (CIM)/Organisation of American States (OAS), the University of Guyana (UG), the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and the National insurance Services of St. Vincent and the Grenadines.

OPENING CEREMONY

Dr. Edward Greene, Assistant Secretary-General, Human and Social Development, CARICOM Secretariat, welcomed delegates to the meeting and noted that the Council was meeting at a critical juncture when it was necessary to examine the crucial role of labour in advancing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.

Adding to the welcome, Minister of Labour, Guyana, the Hon. Manzoor Nadir reiterated that Labour Ministers within the Caribbean Region had forged and fostered solidarity which was consolidated in the international arena by foreign policy coordination; and this, he added had helped to strengthen the profile of labour within the Caribbean Community.

In his remarks, the Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community, HE Edwin Carrington acknowledged the positive outcomes spawned by the partnership between the Community and the International Labour Organisation (ILO). He enumerated several achievements in the free movement component of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy but noted that there was still more work to be done. He also challenged the COHSOD to marshal its troops in support of Haiti whose capital was destroyed by an earthquake on January 12 2010.

The Regional Director for the ILO Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, Mr Jean Maninat stressed the importance of sustaining the partnership between ILO and CARICOM, noting that it was strong and sustainable. He called for an integrated regional approach to implementing the “Global Jobs Pact” which was adopted by governments, labour organisations and employers’ federations at the ILO Global Jobs Summit in 2009. This Global Jobs Pact calls for an integrated approach to overcoming the economic crisis. It is grounded in the belief that “economic and social policies implemented in an integrated way, nationally and coordinated internationally, could accelerate a ‘jobs-rich’ recovery.”

The Hon. Karl Hood, Minister of Labour, Grenada who assumed the Chair of the COHSOD, outlined several critical issues to be addressed by the COHSOD. Those issues included the need for greater involvement of labour in the implementation of the Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA); mainstreaming of gender equality in managing migration, and expediting the implementation of harmonised labour market management information systems.

A special feature of the opening ceremony was the keynote presentation by the Senior Economic Adviser, ILO Headquarters, Mr Robert Kyloh on the theme: Achieving Human and Social Development through Policy Coherence. Mr Kyloh examined critical approaches and macro-economic policies that could assist in promoting a better environment for growth, entrepreneurial development and job creation in the future and in harnessing and nurturing the skills necessary to sustain the economy. He focussed on policy coherence in pursuit of decent work and argued that increased policy coherence between labour, social and macro-economic policies was required at both national and international levels. He also noted that the recent economic indicators and forecasts suggested that a recovery in global economic activity was underway. However, he argued that the recovery would be “multi-speed” with some regions lagging well behind others. Caribbean economies, he said remained precarious, and a full recovery could not be expected until employment and income levels expanded significantly in the United States and Europe. This, he argued, was necessary to provide the significant boost needed in the regional tourism and construction sectors.

FOLLOW UP TO THE SIXTH MEETING OF CARIBBEAN LABOUR MINISTERS

The COHSOD received a report and noted progress made in relation to the main conclusions of the Sixth Meeting of Caribbean Labour Ministers which was held in 2007. The report outlined concrete steps made by Caribbean countries in the areas of labour migration, youth education and training, the development of a social floor and the development of labour market indicators. The Report also indicated that the most frequent challenges among countries were financial and human resources constraints.

CONTRIBUTION OF LABOUR MINISTRIES TO ADVANCING HUMAN AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT THROUGH THE DECENT WORK AGENDA

The COHSOD noted the presentation on the progress of the Decent Work Agenda, a multi-faceted and integrated programme which advocates for full and productive employment and decent work for all at global, regional, national, sectoral and local levels. The COHSOD urged Ministers of Labour to participate actively in the design, implementation and monitoring of national development strategies and to mainstream the decent work concept in other national policies. The Meeting further encouraged Ministers of Labour to use the Decent Work Agenda as an instrument for policy making and also to adapt this Agenda to the local context in an effort to promote human and social development at the national and regional levels.

Free movement categories broadened

UPDATE ON THE SITUATION IN HAITI

The COHSOD received a summary report from the Twenty-First Inter-sessional Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government on the reconstruction process in Haiti and noted the enormity of Haiti’s crisis. The report indicated that to date, 57 donors had pledged over US$ 9.9 billion dollars for the reconstruction programme in Haiti. The Caribbean Community had put in place two major mechanisms to assist with the restoration of that Member State: the appointment of retired Prime Minister of Jamaica, the Most Hon P.J Patterson, as the CARICOM Advocate for Haiti, and the establishment of a Special Support Unit for Haiti The COHSOD agreed that Haiti should be treated as a sovereign state and therefore that any assistance for its reconstruction and rehabilitation must be given with the understanding that it would be deployed in accordance with Haiti’s determination of its priorities.

MANAGING LABOUR MIGRATION IN THE CONTEXT OF REGIONAL INTEGRATION

The Council noted that migration within the Caribbean Community usually occurred as a result of the obligations under the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (Free movement of persons) and at the discretion of countries (work permits). It was further noted that in most countries migration at the discretion of countries was still more significant in scope than that in the context of Free Movement of Persons. However it was recognised that several significant developments had taken place over the past two years including the broadening of categories of persons eligible for free movement to include teachers and nurses and holders of the Caribbean Vocational Qualifications which when in force would apply to a wide variety of persons.

Children Affected by Migration

The COHSOD discussed a presentation on children affected by Migration. The presentation identified the mandate from the Twelfth Special Meeting of the COHSOD on Children, held in March 2008 in Guyana. At this COHSOD, it was indicated that legislative reform in areas including children affected by migration should be undertaken by Member States. In this regard, the presentation focused on the process of the development of a draft framework and sought to outline the areas on children affected by migration that the Framework addressed. The earthquake in Haiti brought to the forefront the issue of children affected by natural disasters. Reference was made to the Addendum to the Regional Framework for Action on Children, 2008-2011 previously approved at the Twelfth Special Meeting of COHSOD.

The meeting therefore urged Member States to take the necessary action to give effect to the recommendations relating to children affected by climate change and emergencies as stated in the Regional Framework for Action on Children, 2008-2011 and to implement the Framework and Recommendations for Action on Children Affected by Migration in the Caribbean for implementation by Member States.

THE ROLE AND FUNCTION OF LABOUR MARKET INFORMATION SYSTEMS IN THE REGIONAL INTEGRATION PROCESS

The COHSOD acknowledged the role of ILO in assisting Member States in establishing and improving the sources of information in order to develop and enhance the Labour Market Information Systems, and noted the importance of annual labour force surveys. The Meeting agreed that there was a need to enhance the quality of labour force surveys as distinct from the national accounts and censuses done by statistical institutes. The Meeting pointed to the likely benefits from computerising departments of labour and standardising relevant administrative records. As a long term measure, the COHSOD recognised the need to prioritise the development and sustainability of credible data sources and to build capacity for labour market trend analyses, and in this regard encouraged Ministries of Labour to integrate information on labour market trends in key policy documents such as budget debates and annual reports of trade unions and employers’ organisations. The Meeting further underscored the need to develop inter-agency collaboration including technical assistance, as well as financial and political support.

HARMONISING LABOUR LEGISLATION TO FACILITATE REGIONAL INTEGRATION

It was emphasised that in the context of regional integration, it was important that there was coherence among the legislation of countries in the region particularly as it related to the social floor of rights to enable the Single Market and Economy to function effectively and to deepen the regional integration process. Taking into account the existence of Model laws in the areas of freedom of association and collective bargaining, non-discrimination, termination of employment and occupational safety and health, COSHOD agreed that it would be useful to pursue harmonization of legislation in the areas of labour migration and social security.

It was also agreed that countries which had not yet ratified all of the eight ILO fundamental Conventions should do so. The COHSOD agreed that those Conventions were important aspects of trade and investment policies as was indicative in the recently signed Economic Partnership Agreement between CARIFORUM and the European Union. In this context therefore the COHSOD urged Member States of CARICOM to make every effort to fulfil their reporting obligations in respect of ILO ratified Conventions and to implement the comments of the ILO supervisory bodies. The latter could contribute to reduce the need for additional harmonization of legislation. Attention was also drawn to the importance of ensuring the full participation of the national social partners as this would strengthen the implementation of regional integration.

NEW CHALLENGES FOR SOCIAL SECURITY SYSTEMS IN THE CARIBBEAN

The Meeting noted the presentation on New Challenges for Social Security and agreed that this item was important to the well being of workers and their families, contributing to increased social peace and social inclusion and contributing to the alleviation of poverty, social justice and equity.

The experience of CARICOM indicates the challenges faced by Member States in achieving sustainable social security systems generally due to low incomes, an aging population with changes in the labour force, under-developed capital markets, increasing informal sectors, stagnation in coverage and declining fund ratios.

The Meeting noted that Labour Ministries’ participation in COHSOD meetings was low. The COHSOD further agreed on the importance for Member States to ensure that their social security systems were viable and that they pursued functional cooperation to harmonise the social security systems within the Caribbean Community. This required a full understanding that the contribution of the labour market to social security revolved around the level of labour force participation, reduction in the level of risks and adequate protection.

In addition, the COHSOD urged that greater attention be placed on the adoption of new labour standards by providing incentives for increased participation in the labour market; reintegration of workers in that market; enhanced recruitment practices and provision for occupational safety; health and the environment. It was further agreed that enhanced functional cooperation in this area would require that greater attention be paid to legislative review, skills linked to minimum wage standards and improved governmental practices, with respect to accountability linked to a sustainable fund ratio.

Long term agenda needs to be identified

OUTCOME OF THE YOUTH SUMMIT WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO LABOUR

The COHSOD received a comprehensive report on the Special CARICOM Heads of Government Summit on Youth Development which was held in Paramaribo, Suriname on January 29-30 to discuss the watershed report of the CARICOM Commission on Youth Development titled: Eye on the Future, Investing in Youth Now for Tomorrow’s Community.

The Commission was mandated by the 26th Conference of Heads of Government to conduct a full scale analysis of the challenges and opportunities for youth in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME); and making recommendations to improve their well-being and empowerment.” Findings and subsequent recommendations were presented on youth un-employment and under-employment, the relevance of the existing education in preparing youth for the world of work, migration and Caribbean cultural identity, governance and the benefits of investing in youth.

PREPARING YOUTH FOR THE WORLD OF WORK: THE IMPORTANCE OF TECHNICAL AND VOCATIONAL EDUCATION AND TRAINING AND ENTREPRENEURIAL EDUCATION

The importance of developing human capital to strengthen the regional integration movement within a rapidly changing global world cannot be over-emphasised, consequently the COHSOD examined thoroughly, the need to prepare young people for the world of work and the integral role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and Entrepreneurial Education in that preparation.

The discussion on Technical and Vocational Education and Training took into account the detailed report on the outcomes of the first CARICOM Summit on Youth Development at which the CARICOM Commission on Youth Development presented its Report which brought into sharp focus the relevance and appropriateness of the Caribbean education system in preparing young people for the job market and the role of TVET in this process.

The COHSOD approved recommendations from the RCMTVET regarding the endorsement of harmonized occupational standards and acknowledged the role of UWI in the preparation for leadership in TVET.

With regard to apprenticeship models in CARICOM, the COHSOD noted the range of apprenticeship models in use in the Caribbean region - several of which were outdated - and discussed the proposal for a study on apprenticeship systems that would provide an opportunity for the Region to collaborate in modernizing and harmonizing apprenticeship systems. The prospects of partnering with the Association of Canadian Community Colleges (ACCC) in submitting a proposal for this study to be commissioned was also discussed.

DECENT WORK SOCIAL AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT AND POLICY COHERENCE

Noting that policy coherence needed to take place at both the national and international levels, the COHSOD recommended a joint technical meeting between the CARICOM Secretariat and ILO to identify programme areas that would require consolidation within the CARICOM Agenda. This, the COHSOD agreed could be used as a basis for identifying those areas in which ILO had the highest competencies in giving support to Member States.

The COHSOD also recommended a joint meeting with the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) dealing specifically with labour and labour issues.

In addition, the COHSOD acknowledged the need to identify a consolidated long term agenda and strategy to ensure that policy coherence was firmly entrenched into what is called the strategic vision of the Caribbean Community.

CLOSING

The COHSOD expressed its thanks to the Government and People of Guyana for being gracious hosts; to the ILO for its professional inputs and support in the conduct of the Meeting and the Secretary-General and Staff of the CARICOM Secretariat for the arrangements and effort in ensuring the success of the Meeting.

Georgetown, Guyana
April 16, 2010