Free movement of labour in CARICOM intersects with oil economics
It was brought to my attention that the Heads of CARICOM sometime last year, I think in March, agreed to facilitate the free movement of all labour in CARICOM. This opinion column was sent to me. It is captioned, “CARICOM’s 50th Anniversary gift to its citizens: freedom of movement, a step towards closer integration” by Patrice Quesada, Coordinator for the Caribbean, International Organization for Migration (IOM). I quote from it “It is truly an historical decision. On 4 July 2023, on the occasion of the 50th anniversary of the institution, the Heads of State of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) … announced a big step towards regional integration. In the words of Barbados’ Honourable Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley … they have responded to what “every Caribbean citizen has wanted since we’ve had control of our destiny.” This major step forward is the decision to extend freedom of movement to all CARICOM nationals. Interesting!
From my and experiences of others that have been well documented, Guyanese has had a terrible time in many countries as they attempted to enter. Special benches to put Guyanese to sit on etc. So, over the years there was no attempt to even discuss this open door policy for all CARICOM citizens. So, what has changed? I will quote again from Mr. Patrice Quesada, “The decision comes at an interesting juncture in the recent rich history of the Caribbean. From IOM’s assessment of the migratory context, one important economic game changer – with potential large social implications – has emerged with the emerging oil and gas industry in Guyana… it appears that labour migration will have to play an essential role to fuel the market with skilled and unskilled workers in all the sectors that will be directly and indirectly affected”. He is talking about extraction, construction, housing, health and education.
CARICOM leaders suddenly recognizes the long standing wishes of CARICOM citizens. According to Patrice, “Enabling citizens to freely move in the CSME has been a long-standing wish… where there is a will, there is a way”. Substitute oil for will. Apparently, according to Patrice, the intention is to sign “a renewed agreement by 30 March 2024”. Currently under the CSME, just a few skills are recognized. Don’t blame them, the pariah country has now become the number one destination. The issue is what effect would this have on our people and on our labour force. We have already seen what effects the flood of Haitians and Venezuelans have on our labour market. They are willing to work for less. Our people are already being paid inadequately. The struggle for a living wage continues. I read the teachers are preparing to go on strike. I will write about this in another letter.
This letter is just to spark some interest as I see no public discussions on this very important issue. Now I am not opposed to our brothers and sisters of CARICOM coming to work here. Let us facilitate the process. Reduce the difficulties and red tape but the movement of workers must be controlled to protect out people. I am calling on our government not to sign such an agreement until we have full public discussion ending with a referendum. Also, maybe this should become an election issue. A one seat majority party does not have a right to make such a decision for the Guyanese people. I am aware that some may want to suggest the race issue and state that because CARICOM is black dominated etc., etc., This is about all of us and the protection of the future of our people. We have already witnessed the selling out of our patrimony by both parties. Some may want to go down in history as the persons who made this possible
without considering the interest of our people and with the belief that no matter what they do, they have a captive set of voters who no matter what would return them to power. If anyone want the full article message me on udfpartyguy@gmail.com Sincerely,
Rajendra Nauth Bisessar
Bsc Sociology, LLB