BRIDGETOWN, Barbados (CMC):

As the Caribbean prepares for full implementation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), lawyers from across the region have been urged to familiarise themselves with the legal issues that will come with the initiative.

Barbados' Chief Justice, Sir David Simmons, made the call as he addressed the start of a two-day conference organised by the Caribbean Court of Justice and the Organisation of Caribbean Commonwealth Bar Associations on the weekend.

Sir David said that with the changes in the CARICOM Treaty, lawyers can no longer depend on what was taught during traditional training courses.

The free movement of labour is the main aspect of the single market component of the CSME which was launched in 2005, and further regional integration is expected when the single economy is fully launched in 2008.

Free movement of capital

The CSME will also allow for the free movement of capital and goods throughout participating states.

Attorney-General Dale Marshall, who also spoke at the conference, suggested that lawyers play a more meaningful role in their local legislative processes.

"I, as Attorney-General, would like to see the Bar commenting on all the meaningful pieces of social policy that come out of our government," Marshall said.