As we close the year 2009 and embrace the New Year it is time not only
for celebration of the symbolism of the season but also using the
experiences we have acquired over the year in developing our resolve
to meet the challenges envisage in 2010.

As Caribbean workers we have been able to keep Labour’s focus within
the regional socio- economic and political framework as an integral
measure of Caribbean development with the recognition that through the
CSME Movement of Skill and Semi-Skill labour the Caribbean can be
served by Caribbean nationals. The free movement of skills however
impacted on some more than others and when coupled with the flight of
illegal immigrants there is a potential risk affecting the countries
at the migrant end as well as the immigrant end. This latter case of
illegal movement of workers and its impact must be addressed not only
within the framework of the CSME but with careful review of the
condition of workers and  citizens in sister CARICOM countries who are
not merely pulled to countries with higher standard of living and
higher economies but are instead pushed by fear of being victims of
political or narco-terrorism; the desire to expand the narco trade;
marginalization; poverty; hopelessness; social, economic , cultural
and political decay; the denial and violation of basic human rights
and no justice.

Caribbean leaders need not forget that in the Free Movement and
integration process there is an equal responsibility on both migrant
and receiving countries.  First and foremost the leaders have a
responsibility to their citizens to create the environment where
rights and the rule of law are respected, jobs are created and social
services are provided. It is unacceptable for elected officials to be
abrogating their responsibilities to their constituencies and expect
others to pick up the slack.

These challenges will continue into the New Year and must therefore be
high on our agenda for discourse and resolution if we are to preserve
the integrity of the free movement of skills and Caribbean labour
market as well as deepen relationships and reduce conflict and tension
among our Caribbean peoples.

In addition we are faced with the challenge of government and
employers, both regional and international, who set out to erode
workers gains, deny them their rights and destroy the trade union
movement by seeking to terminate recognition agreements  thus
violating the laws, convention and time-honoured principles.  Lest we
forget, these are benefits gained through struggles dating back to
colonial rule which served to liberate our people and laid the
foundation for all of us, including those who now hold the reins of
power. These are still relevant today to restrain the abuse of power,
regardless of whether it is colonial, local or multinational. These
benefits and legal framework are the best guarantee for human rights
and the rights of all workers. It is this adherence which will provide
us with justice and keep at bay those who will want to take us back to
the days when labour was seen as just a mere factor of production to
satisfy the employer needs for profit with minimal consideration for
occupational health and safety conditions, paying of a living
wage/salary and reinvestment to benefit the retired labour force.

As we continue opening our region to foreign investors Labour must
ensure employers respect the laws of our respective nation state, in
no less manner than they will be made to respect those of their
originating countries and other developing nations. Multinational
organizations are welcomed but not to abuse our laws and our people.
They must be held accountable and will be held accountable by
collective determination of labour to ensure they operate within the
framework of the ILO core labour standards and the laws of each
nation. At the same time we urge all Caribbean governments to ensure
that the resources of the Caribbean benefit the Caribbean and not just
foreign investors or foreign countries. We must not embrace similar
productive inequities of the colonial economic era which our
foreparents fought against and which the world recognized was wrong
and acknowledges its creation of imbalances in economic development of
various regions. Regional governments and negotiators must therefore
ensure that each foreign investment takes on board fair and equitable
local returns to aid in our regional development.

Caribbean nations are reminded that whatever happens in one Caribbean
state will ultimately impact all Caribbean states. Our destinies are
intertwined and therefore we cannot ignore the conditions of labour in
any Caribbean state.

For 2010 CCL wishes the government and the people of the Caribbean a
deepening of our individual and collective resolve to better manage
our political, social and economic circumstances to create an
environment of Caribbean identity and regional stability. May the
beauty and warmth of our tropical paradise be reflected also in peace,
political maturity, economic growth and respect for workers right and
the rule of law with an end to discrimination based on political,
ethnic or class exploitation.

Workers of the Caribbean UNITE for survival and guarantee of rights! Solidarity!