More Urgent Action to Implement Free Movement of Goods and Services

Ms.Petipha Lewis, Chair of CARICHAM and Executive Director of Grenada Chamber of Industry and Commerce

Miami, FL, December 6, 2023 — Regional integration remains fragmented, impacting the seamless flow of goods and services and handicapping Caribbean business. This was the view expressed by Ms. Petipha Lewis, Chairwoman of the Network of Caribbean Chambers of Commerce (CARICHAM), speaking at the recent Connected Caribbean Summit,

At the summit, Ms. Lewis candidly discussed impediments to trade and commerce in the region. She described the state of regional integration as ‘fragmented’ and identified several challenges that hinder the free movement of goods and services across Caribbean borders.  

“It is imperative that we take more urgent and coordinated action to implement measures that facilitate the free movement of commerce across the Caribbean,” stated Ms. Lewis.  

The CARICHAM Chairwoman identified impediments to trade and commerce in the region, such as regulatory challenges, inadequate infrastructure, and bureaucratic hurdles. She called for a collective effort to remove these barriers and create a more conducive environment for businesses to operate seamlessly across borders. 

“Technological Innovation is a globally recognized catalyst for growth in the business landscape. The Caribbean must actively foster an environment that better encourages and supports innovation, to enable our businesses to thrive in the digital era.” 

Ms. Lewis shared strategies for fostering innovation in the digital business space, acknowledging the transformative potential that technology holds for businesses in the Caribbean. She also emphasized the importance of adopting innovative practices to remain competitive and to harness the benefits of digitalization. 

The Connected Caribbean Summit was held from 5 – 6 December 2023 in Miami, Florida. The event included an audience of over 150 leaders from business, technology, justice, and government sectors. Ms. Lewis’s address aligned with the summit’s overarching theme of accelerating regional development.  Ms. Lewis’s call for urgent action resonated with the attendees, with several expressing their agreement on the need for a more cohesive regional approach to address challenges hindering the free movement of goods and services.