Caricom Secretary General Irwin LaRocque said a permanent solution is being sought to the annual constraints experienced by non-University of the West Indies (UWI) law graduates trying to complete their legal education at regional law schools.
Speaking at the 48th Convocation of the University of Guyana (UG) on Saturday last, LaRocque said the difficulty faced by non-UWI graduates seeking admission to the law schools of the Council of Legal Education (CLE) was brought to the community’s attention by the Government of Guyana at the Conference of Heads of Government.
He said the limited space available for non-UWI graduates constrains the ambitions of many aspiring lawyers in the region, including LL.B graduates of the University of Guyana (UG). He said this year there were several dialogues between the community and the CLE to ensure that the 25 Guyanese UG graduates would be accommodated in the law schools, in accordance with previous arrangements.
“However, this is not a permanent solution, and does not address the non-Guyanese UG graduates, or indeed LL.B graduates of any other institution in the region,” he said, adding that it clearly shows it is not just a “Guyana problem but is in fact a regional issue requiring a community solution.”
He said the Heads of Government have asked the CLE to consider all available options for a permanent way to facilitate equitable access to legal education in the region and it was therefore his hope that the new intake of law students at UG would have no difficulty in gaining access to regional law schools by the end their tenure at the university.
Using his speech to promote regional integration, La Rocque urged the graduates to apply for their Caricom skills’ certificate so they would be able to seek professional opportunities in any of the 12 countries participating in the CSME.
He stated some 14,000 certificates have been issued so far and he is hoping that by next year, university graduates would be able to apply for these certificates fully online. He indicated that an electronic platform was currently being developed.
“The Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas provides for the free movement of skilled community nationals, and the first category identified was that of university graduates,” he said, adding that the provision was made in recognition of the critical role university graduates play in advancing the region.
He continued, “that is why the community remains dedicated to achieving the objectives of the Caricom Single Market and Economy: notably, the free movement of skilled nationals, of providers of services, of the self-employed and of those establishing businesses. The rights that Caricom nationals now enjoy to establish enterprise wherever they wish in their region will release entrepreneurial energy bottled up for far too long.”
LaRocque indicated further that they still have work to do to put all the enabling structures in place and have them implemented. “I am determined to achieve that. And I am confident we will,” he said.
However, he is acutely aware of the “difficulties still being experienced at ports of entry” in some member states by those who seek to exercise their rights of free movement.
“Certain categories of citizens have the right to work and live in any participating State – that is the free movement of skills provision. Also, all Caricom nationals have the right to an automatic stay of six months, subject only to circumscribed exceptions – that is the hassle-free travel provision,” he said.
He noted that inconsistent application of the agreed rules has caused some challenges but training of the relevant points-of-entry officials is continuing in order to strengthen good practices and reduce the difficulties.
“To the average person, the success of Caricom is often measured by the ability to move freely around the region, in accordance with community decisions which form part of our body of community law. With respect to hassle-free travel, the vast majority of persons travel throughout our Region every day without problems. It is working.”
Nonetheless, the exception to the rule creates a damaging perception in people’s minds, he said, adding that the less than complete success in turning the concept of hassle free movement into a reality has undermined the community’s credibility.
“Last year’s ruling by the Caribbean Court of Justice in the Shanique Myrie case has pronounced on this matter. We must take heed of the court’s ruling,” he noted.
LaRocque further stated that the Heads of Government have approved the first-ever Five-Year Strategic Plan for the Caribbean Community and it would see coordinated strategic management involving the secretariat, member states, and other regional institutions.
He said the plan recognises the need for prioritisation, setting achievable targets and greater accountability, as well putting in place the necessary arrangements to strengthen implementation.
He said it contains a number of high priorities such as: accelerated implementation of the Caricom Single Market and Economy, competitive initiatives to encourage growth and generate employment, the creation of a Single ICT Space in Caricom and human capital development.
“Imagine a space in which the cost of broadband is lowered; there is full portability of cell phone numbers across the region; and there are no long distance charges for calls between Caricom countries! That is what we will strive to achieve. We will enhance our resilience to the effects of climate change and threats to our environment through proactive adaptation and mitigation strategies as well as improved disaster readiness, response and recovery,” he added.
He said that in order to build a strong Caribbean Community, the people need to ensure that the skills taught in the education system are ones needed to fulfil the region’s development goals, adding that the “educational institutions, public policy-makers and the private sector must collaborate more closely.”
He said the business community knows what skills it needs and it can help design training relevant to the labour market. This, he said, would directly improve employment opportunities for graduates.
“Our universities should be centres of research and excellence that inculcate a culture of creativity and innovation – a prerequisite for building competitiveness, which in turn is key to prospering in the new global economy. Targeted research linked to the creativity and innovation of our youth could lead to a transformation of our economies and societies and ensure we build resilience in the areas which the Strategic Plan identifies as vital for sustainable development,” he stated.
He noted that in support of these types of initiatives, a Caricom Commission on Human Resource Development has been established and one of its main tasks is to develop a Caricom Education Agenda, with a roadmap for action by member states, aligned to 21st Century competencies, competitiveness and sustainability.
He stated that the commission will begin its work shortly.
