Ja: Seaga down on CSME

OPPOSITION LEADER Edward Seaga yesterday slammed Jamaica's impending participation in the proposed Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), saying the move could further damage an already beleaguered local economy.

Making his contribution in the 2004/2005 Budget debate at Gordon House, Mr. Seaga said there was no purpose in Jamaica joining the CSME, pointing to the country's 'listless' export performance as a member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

"Jamaica's participation in the proposed extension of CARICOM to create a CSME would expose the vulnerability of the economy to even greater importation and dislocation of local production without compensating exports," the Opposition Leader said.

He added: "In this scenario, the CSME would be detrimental, rather than beneficial to Jamaica."