The Tribune

PRIME Minister Christie addressed the United Nation’s 2015 Integrated Segment Economic and Social Council in New York yesterday.

Mr Christie, the current chair of (CARICOM), spoke on behalf of the Caribbean community.

“CARICOM has adopted either home-grown or multilaterally-supported stabilisation and structural adjustment programmes, which have not yet resulted in sustained growth in those member states experiencing significant macro-economic imbalances,” he said. “Revitalising economic growth is therefore of critical importance to preventing further deterioration in the region’s human development gains and thus the region has embarked on a plan to reposition itself.

“It is apparent that such a plan must take into consideration the rising levels of unemployment, particularly in the youth, which exists alongside skill shortages in several key areas. We acknowledge that such a repositioning must therefore be one which reviews in a holistic manner, the content and focus of our education and training systems, and places emphasis on areas, including innovation and creativity; digital literacy and entrepreneurship as well as issues of gender and inclusiveness.”

He said CARICOM has identified the need to build competitiveness and unleash key economic drivers to transition to growth and generate employment.

“Efforts will be made to advance human capital development, through the enhancement of key skills, education reform and youth development,” he said. “We will build capacity and create green jobs in our efforts to manage adaptation to climate change and mitigate its effects, and enhance our resilience to natural disasters. And we will forge a culture of innovation, increase job creation, entrepreneurship and new business development in Information and Communication Technology (ICT).”

However, he stressed, the Caribbean region needs help from the international community to meet these goals.