Region encouraged to work together

IF Caribbean nations are to solve the challenges the region is currently experiencing, all must come together as one.

One Government Minister believes that the Caribbean Single Market Economy (CSME) is an impactful way in which these challenges must be faced head on.
Minister in the Ministry of Financial Economic Affairs and Investment, Marsha Caddle, made this suggestion as she delivered the feature address at the official opening of the two-day workshop of the Caribbean Association of Audit Committee Members Inc., yesterday, at the Hilton Barbados Resort, Needham’s Point, St. Michael.

“There is a lot to be gained in having common approaches to all the challenges that face us in these sectors. And while I won’t go into too much this morning about what those potential opportunities are in the context of CSME, I will leave that for CARICOM heads to discuss in Jamaica next week.

“But, I want to flag that the CSME project is not over, it is not completed. The Government of Barbados maintains, and in fact, renews its commitment to making sure that it is vibrant particularly in the area of accountability and transparency, and making sure that we are adaptable to the changing economic environment,” Caddle.

The framework for the conference was designed to focus on strengthening internal controls across the region. Topics to be discussed during the packed two-day conference includes, risk assurance services, and internal controls to help with business disruptions through the use of technology.

In her remarks, Minister Caddle also reaffirmed Government’s commitment to the integrity legislation which will be going to Parliament soon.

“We are committed to integrity legislation, and we are committed to an integrity commission. The new Cabinet Ministers have all been through the declaration of our assets. We have done that because we think it is important to demonstrate real transparency,” Minister Caddle said. (AH)