PM Mitchell signs declaration of eliminating roaming charges within CARICOM community

Prime Minister of Grenada Dr Keith Mitchell has signed the declaration of St George's towards eliminating roaming charges to facilitate the CARICOM single ICT space and its single market and economy on Wednesday, February 23, 2022.

Dr Mitchell is, the head of Science and Technology in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet, asserted that the country moved one step closer to realising a reduction in roaming charges within the Caribbean Community.

Various signatories such as Kieran Mulvey, Director of Government Affairs, Digicel Group and Karleigh Prescod, Vice President South Caribbean, Cable and Wireless Communications were present while signing the declaration.

Recognizing the declaration as an important milestone, PM Mitchell cited that the progress has not been as fast as regional leaders would like, but he noted that this interim solution gives renewed impetus to the efforts to advance key aspects of the Single ICT Space.

He outlined, "The milestone being recorded today as we sign the declaration of St George's Towards the Reduction of Intra CARICOM Roaming charges. However, our eyes are set firmly on the ultimate goal, which is to achieve the total elimination of roaming charges within CARICOM."

According to PM Mitchell, this declaration essentially means that the Grenadian citizens will have options to use their mobile phones as they move freely within the Single Space at reduced costs and would be able to travel without the fear of incurring the normal exorbitant charges for voice and data usage as they conduct business or keep in touch with loved ones.

PM Mitchell is optimistic that the impending reduction in roaming charges will help drive digital commerce, regional integration and economic development. He repeatedly emphasized the need to keep moving towards the total elimination of roaming charges to improve the experience of Caribbean nationals.

"It signals a period of extensive collaboration between CARICOM and two of the major telecommunications operators within the region. At the same time, today signals the beginning of new opportunities for the area, opportunities that we should readily embrace, as per the statement of the Prime Minister's Office."

Further, the CARICOM has long recognised the value of collaboration and cooperation as core principles of regional integration.

While thanking everyone, PM Mitchell asserted, "Today, on behalf of my colleague Heads of Government and the people of the Caribbean community, I thank all the signatories for their commitment to reduce roaming rates in the region significantly, but I stress again that there is much more to be done as we seek to deliver on our original objective".

He further stressed that, ideally, Caribbean leaders want to see the complete elimination of roaming charges within the Caribbean Community. We will continue to push for this in the interest of our Caribbean people.