The Committee of Social Partners (CSP) held its fifth regular meeting on Friday 26 July 2013. The Meeting was chaired by Acting Prime Minister, Hon. Elvin Nimrod and Minister for Economic Development, Hon. Oliver Joseph.
The main agenda item was a discussion on the “Roadmap for a Social Protocol/Partnership” by Dr. Andre Vincent Henry, who is facilitating the process for establishing a social protocol. Dr. Henry’s first session with the CSP was held in June 2013 where he presented on the topic “Building a Social Dialogue Road Map: Agenda and Success Factors”. His presentation then detailed considerations that should be borne and the steps that should be taken in developing a Social Protocol. At that time he also congratulated the CSP on the camaraderie observed and urged that this be nurtured.
At the July meeting, the discussions focused on the actions/steps that the CSP must now take for the establishment of the Social Protocol. Dr. Henry suggested that a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) be developed and timelines set to ensure a smooth process. He also suggested that commonalities be determined. To this end, he is meeting with the partners (Unions, Private Sector, Churches and Government) separately, to determine what each partner wants from the social protocol. He will then develop a matrix of interests, which will highlight common areas and areas of difference, which will be used as part of the process for finalising the protocol.
Other matters discussed at the meeting were:
- Debt restructuring;
- Carriacou Marina Project; and
- Illegal production and consumption of alcohol
The CSP, apart from its regular monthly meetings, plans to hold working sessions and public consultations, to ensure that the Social Protocol can be put in place as soon as possible.
The next meeting of the CSP is proposed for August 30, 2013.
