Dr. Rae Davis President of the University of Technology (left) checks the event programme with Delano Franklyn, Minister of State in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, at the annual orientation for new students, at the university's Papine, St. Andrew campus, on August 21. - Junior Dowie / Staff Photographer

Young people must take more advantage of free movement within the region under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) said Delano Franklyn, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs and Trade.

Addressing new students at the University of Technology (UTech) St. Andrew yesterday, Mr. Franklyn implored students to realise the potential under CSME to "escape from the limitations imposed by the small size" of CARICOM member states.

"Young people from all walks of life must be encouraged to take advantage of the enhanced opportunities for travel, study and business which will be provided through the CSME. You must think regionally and not limit your focus to the space and resources available locally," he said.

Career paths

He advised students to consider several career paths facilitated by the greater regional integration under CSME, such as tourism, including ownership of cruise ship businesses, manufacturing, targeted at the tourism sector; financial services; music and entertainment; food and agriculture.

Young entrepreneurs could also start up businesses elsewhere in the region, he advised.

He cautioned that if CARICOM states failed to take advantage of integration and pool resources they would struggle at a time of greater trade liberalisation and the end of protectionism, in particular the preferential terms of trade previously enjoyed by the region's sugar and banana producers with the European Union.

"Small and fragile economies are under threat. A clear message is being sent - compete, in order to survive," he said.