Jamaica looking to broaden skilled worker categories via amendments to CARICOM Free Movement of Skilled Persons Act

Jamaica is in the process of making amendments to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Free Movement of Skilled Persons Act, so as to broaden the categories of skilled nationals able to access jobs in other regional countries.

The island-nation’s Labor and Social Security Minister, Derrick Kellier, will table the amendments to increase the categories of workers who can apply for a CARICOM Skills Certificate.

Under the present CARICOM Skills Certificate in Jamaica, the categories of skilled workers currently able to access employment in other Caribbean islands are artistes; musicians; holders of degrees from recognized tertiary educational institutions; journalists/media workers; and sportsmen and women.

The proposed amendments will legally extend this facilitation to nurses; teachers; and workers holding specific categories of vocational qualifications, and are currently being addressed administratively.

The Caribbean Community Free Movement of Skilled Persons Act was promulgated by the Jamaican legislature in July 1997, in furtherance of the provisions of 1989 Grand Anse Declaration that underpins the advancement of the Caribbean regional integration process through the creation of a CARICOM Single Market and Economy.

The CARICOM Single Market and Economy allows for the free movement of skills, services, goods and labor across the 15-member regional grouping.-(CMC)