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CARICOM Member States should not allow the COVID-19 pandemic to stop them from pursuing the skilled nationals programme.
That’s the view of Barbados’ Ambassador to CARICOM, David Comissiong. He is adamant that instead of being a hindrance, the pandemic should be seen as an opportunity to propel the free movement of persons who fall within any of the approved categories of skilled nationals.
“We need to respond to COVID-19 with more integration, not less; we would be making a fatal error if we turn inwards from our CARICOM brothers and sisters. I think our best bet of riding through this crisis is collectively, it is working together as a region,” Comissiong said in a recent interview with The Barbados Advocate.
As such, he is suggesting that the programme is one that all CARICOM Member States should fully embrace. He made the point while contending that it is one of the best ideas CARICOM has developed since its inception. Comissiong bolstered his position, indicating that skilled persons can play a pivotal role in the development of our various countries and should be given the opportunity to do so.
“To me, it does two things – first of all, what it does, is it sends a message and it offers an incentive to our young people, all across the region, to take their education and training seriously; to understand that there's no place in this 21st century world for an educated, untrained or uncertificated young man or young woman. Also, it says to our young people that the entire region is open to you to find your destiny,” he said.
Comissiong noted that more than six decades ago Caribbean people were “running” to Britain and the United States in large numbers looking for greener pastures and opportunities for employment. However, those avenues of migration have been cut off and it is important that our people recognise there are opportunities that exist right here in the region and they are growing.
“So the challenge to us, is to so develop our region that we can deliver to our children and grandchildren similar opportunities, but regionally. For example, Guyana is going to be developing a petroleum industry. There are young Barbadians with technical skills, who might want to experience a career or employment working in the field of petroleum refining, and so forth – the skills programme makes that available to them. Barbados has one television station and there are young Barbadians who might want a career as a television cameraman or presenter or editor, and there are dozens of television stations all across CARICOM,” he stated.
The Ambassador, describing the programme as “very precious”, maintained that every effort should be made to preserve it. With that in mind, he said that no citizen in any country in this region should not see fellow Caribbean nationals who are seeking to migrate to their country as threats.
“We have to hold on to the idea that if a person is coming into our country, and they are bringing knowledge and skills with them, they’re going to add value to our nation. And so there’s no reason for us to allow the COVID-19 related crisis to stop us from forging ahead with the skilled nationals programme. In fact, I would say just the opposite – I think a good response to COVID-19 is to further develop the programme,” he charged.
He is therefore encouraging eligible persons who have not already applied for their CARICOM Skills Certificate to do so, and see what opportunities are available for them to capitalise on.
(JRT)