The apex employers’ body of the Caribbean
Empowering Caribbean Employers to Thrive Together
We empower and unite employers’ organizations across the Caribbean to drive a more integrated, competitive, and resilient regional business community — advancing collective interests and supporting regional integration as a catalyst for sustainable growth and shared prosperity.
Our Mission & Value Proposition
The Caribbean Employers’ Confederation (CEC) is the apex body representing the interests of employers across the Caribbean. We work collaboratively with national employers’ organisations, governments, and international bodies to champion the employer perspective on labour, economic, and social policy.
As the official representative of Caribbean employers at the International Labour Organization (ILO) and affiliated with the International Organisation of Employers (IOE), the CEC plays a critical role in shaping regional and global workplace policy.
By strengthening the institutional capacity of national employers’ organisations, facilitating the exchange of best practices, and deepening regional networking and collaboration, we help build a cohesive employers’ voice that counts on the world stage.
Through data- and evidence-based policy engagement and strong regional representation on all employment and workforce related matters, we advance the collective interests of Caribbean employers and support regional integration as a catalyst for sustainable growth.
The CEC is committed to the highest standards of governance, transparency and fairness, guided by its recently adopted Bye-Laws which modernise the Confederation’s framework for the benefit of all members.
Policy Advocacy
Evidence-based engagement at regional and global forums on labour, trade, and economic policy.
Capacity Building
Strengthening national employers’ organisations through knowledge, tools and partnerships.
Regional Integration
Driving a more integrated, competitive and resilient Caribbean business community.
Our Work at the Regional Level
The CEC represents Caribbean employers in key regional institutions, ensuring that the private sector voice shapes the policies and frameworks that govern the world of work and the development of human capital across the Caribbean.
The Caribbean Employers’ Confederation participates actively in the work of the CARICOM Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD) — the principal organ of the Caribbean Community responsible for promoting human and social development across the region.
As the recognised voice of Caribbean employers within the CARICOM framework, the CEC brings the employer perspective directly into regional deliberations on labour, employment, education, health, and social policy — ensuring that the private sector has a seat at the table where regional decisions are made.
COHSOD brings together ministers from CARICOM Member States to coordinate policy in areas that directly affect the world of work. The CEC’s participation ensures that employer interests are represented alongside government and worker voices in the region’s tripartite social dialogue.
Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC)
The CEC works with the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) to ensure that regional education and examination frameworks are aligned with the skills and competencies that Caribbean employers need. This partnership focuses on the relevance of curricula and qualifications to the labour market, bridging the gap between education systems and employer expectations — helping to build a workforce that is work-ready, competitive, and equipped for the evolving Caribbean economy.
Labour & Employment Policy
Representing employer positions on regional labour standards, employment frameworks, and workforce mobility across CARICOM member states.
Occupational Safety & Health
Contributing to the development of regional OSH standards and frameworks that protect workers while enabling business competitiveness.
Social Protection & Inclusion
Engaging on regional social protection policy, ensuring employer perspectives inform sustainable and balanced approaches.
Tripartite Social Dialogue
Participating in the region’s tripartite mechanisms alongside governments and worker organisations to shape fair and balanced policy outcomes.
CXC – Curriculum Relevance
Advocating for examination syllabi and certification frameworks aligned with current employer needs and industry standards.
CXC – SKILLS & WORKFORCE READINESS
Partnering to close the gap between regional education outputs and the skills Caribbean businesses need to grow and compete.
Elected Executive Board
Chaired by Wayne Chen, alongside Anthony Walcott and Linda Besson.
The Board was elected at the Annual General Meeting held in Punta Cana,
Dominican Republic, 2025.
Member Organisations
14 national employers’ organisations from across the Caribbean, collectively representing thousands of businesses in their home territories.
Key Documents
Access the CEC’s governing Bye-Laws and recent annual reports. Annual reports will be published here when uploaded by the Secretariat.
Available
Pending upload
Pending upload
Pending upload
Annual Reports · Resolutions · Publications — email to office@caribbeanemployers.com
Contact the Secretariat
The CEC Secretariat welcomes enquiries from member organisations, prospective members, media, and international partners. We are here to assist you.
PO Box 911, Port of Spain
Trinidad and Tobago