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07/09/2004

Press Release

CSME Message on the Streets of St. Georges

THE message of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) was taken directly to the streets of St. Georges, Grenada recently.

This was when the Caribbean Policy Development Centre (CPDC) with support from the Caribbean Trade and Competitiveness Development Program (C-TRADECOM), a United States Agency for International Development project, set up a CSME Educational Expo tent on the Careenage, opposite Cable and Wireless.

The tent, which run from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday July 3, the day preceding the convening of the July 4-8 CARICOM Heads of Government Conference, was aimed at increasing public awareness on trade issues in the Caribbean. The CSME was one of the main issues that will engage leaders at the 25th summit of the Caribbean Community Heads of Government in Grand Anse.

During the event, participants were exposed to literature on the CSME and trade issues in general and were able to openly discuss the effort to create a single economic space in the Caribbean with a variety of trade specialists who were assembled for the event. Among those present was "Champion of the CSME' Mrs. Gloria Payne-Banfield, who in addition to interacting with persons visiting the tent, did interviews with members of the Media covering the event.

A popular local commentator kept visitors to the tent entertained during his stint as Master of Ceremonies for the program and calypsonians and other popular entertainers provided entertainment. Prizes were handed out to participants who correctly answer questions on the CSME.

Organizers said the exposition was in an attempt to bring the issues of the CSME directly to persons as they went about their usual weekend activities, rather than invite members of the public to attend structured sessions in formal settings.

“The atmosphere was be a very informal one where persons were welcomed to come and gather information and ask any questions they want. For the CSME to be a reality we have to touch base with the masses and this event is just one step in that direction,” the organizers added.