The Government of Grenada is moving ahead with its regional counterparts in the issuing of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) passport. The Immigration Passport Department is scheduled to begin issuing the CARICOM Grenada Passport on January 29, 2007. On January 7, 2007, Suriname became the first Member State to begin using the CARICOM passport, followed by St Vincent and the Grenadines, and St Kitts/ Nevis. Heads of Government agreed to the issuance of a CARICOM passport by Member States as a defining symbol of regionalism. The introduction of the CARICOM passport is also part of the measures to promote hassle-free travel for CARICOM nationals, and a major thrust of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). The CARICOM passport is a national passport which is being issued in accordance with an agreed format for intra-regional and extra-regional travel. On the cover, it bears the logo of CARICOM and the words "Caribbean Community," in addition to the Coat of Arms and the name of the issuing Member State. The CARICOM passport also creates awareness that CARICOM nationals are nationals of the Community, as well as a specific country. The expectation is that all Member States will introduce the CARICOM passport when the stock of their old passports is depleted. The passport, valid for 10 years, is renewable after the 10 year expiration or if the pages are utilised prior to the expiry date. Reprinted from Caribbean Net News caribbeannetnews.com