CARICOM Secretariat, Guyana -- April 28, 2010 -- Saint Lucia is participating in a study of its administrative systems and procedures to determine compliance with the laws to facilitate movement of people, goods, services and capital under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).

The study also investigates Saint Lucia’s conformity with the laws to enable the establishment of business. It is expected that technical action plans for reforming the island’s administrative systems and practices will be developed to agreed standards. This will ensure harmonization of procedures within the CSME and prevent unnecessary challenges for Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nationals as they operate within a single economic space.

A draft report is expected by the end of May 2010 which will be reviewed by officials representing Saint Lucia’s public and private sectors and the CARICOM and OECS Secretariats. Another phase will evaluate the island’s legislative procedures.

The analysis is being executed by the staff of the CARICOM and OECS Secretariats under the CARICOM Trade and Competitiveness Project (CTCP) which is funded by the Canadian International Development Fund (CIDA). The objective of the CTCP is to provide more and better opportunities for CARICOM nationals to participate in and benefit from the CSME.

CONTACT: salas@csmeunit.org