BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – Prime Minister of Barbados and chairman of CARICOM, Mia Amor Mottley, has announced significant progress toward the implementation of freedom of movement for CARICOM nationals, set to commence on June 1.
During the recent 48th regular meeting of CARICOM heads of government, which took place at Wyndham Grand Barbados Sam Lord’s Castle Resort, Prime Minister Mottley highlighted that the decision to allow for the freedom of movement is a pivotal advancement for the region.
She addressed both in-person and virtual audiences at the closing press conference, revealing that regional leaders have agreed to establish arrangements enabling member countries to proceed independently without requiring unanimous approval.
“If the protocol for enhanced cooperation is fully ratified by the end of March, it will pave the way for several countries to commence the freedom of movement for CARICOM nationals, along with access to primary and secondary education, emergency health care, and basic health services,” Mottley stated.
“Understanding the importance of family mobility and the rights that will be extended to participating nations, we must address the significant challenge of an aging population in our region, barring Haiti. It is essential to expedite the freedom of movement process, making what has long been considered the ultimate goal of integration a tangible reality by 2025,” Mottley emphasized.
In addition, CARICOM heads of government discussed vital issues including improvements in maritime and air transport, private sector roles in these initiatives, comprehensive training for hospitality workers, sustainable practices in tourism, and the creation of a CARICOM Educational Transformation Commission.
They also addressed the telecommunications landscape to ensure fair cost structures across the region and discussed strategies to combat the climate crisis.
The prime minister characterized the three-day summit as “productive and enlightening,” affirming that regional leaders are actively confronting global challenges with a united front. She underscored the necessity of solidarity in tackling issues such as geopolitical shifts, climate crisis, economic volatility, agricultural production impacts, and public health challenges like avian influenza.
Mottley committed to outlining a work program within six weeks aimed at achieving mutual recognition of driver’s licenses and insurance products across multiple countries. She stressed the need to harmonize customs and phytosanitary regulations to facilitate seamless trade and to address the 57 non-tariff barriers affecting regional commerce identified by the Caribbean Private Sector Organization.
Furthermore, leaders from various member states provided updates on critical matters, including external trade negotiations, agro-food security and living costs, climate crisis responses, crime and security issues, and the political situation in Haiti.
This year’s conference theme was “Strength in Unity: Forging Caribbean Resilience, Inclusive Growth, and Sustainable Development.”
