CARICOM leaders continue discussions regarding unrestricted movement of citizens

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) leaders, who convened for their summit in Guyana earlier this year, encountered difficulties in finalizing arrangements for the free and full movement of member-state nationals by the expected deadline at the end of the previous month.

Sources familiar with the matter revealed that during the recent virtual heads meeting, a decision was reached to schedule a series of additional discussions leading up to the next meeting in Grenada. These discussions aim to address outstanding amendments to the treaty.

Initially, optimism was high following the summit in Guyana in February. Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley, overseeing the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), expressed confidence in meeting the targets for free movement of CARICOM nationals.

However, as the anticipated mid-March meeting approached, it became apparent that more time would be necessary to iron out the details.

The CSME, envisioned to facilitate the free movement of goods, skills, labor, and services across the region, encounters obstacles in its implementation.

While certain categories of workers can move freely with a CARICOM Skills Certificate, others still require work permits, undermining the goal of seamless movement within the community.

Two unresolved policy issues, crucial to operationalizing full free movement, remain at the heart of the delay. These matters were referred to heads for resolution by the intergovernmental task force on free movement.

These topics, scheduled for discussion in early March with hopes for resolution before the March 31st deadline, include Antigua & Barbuda’s preference for maintaining the current skills regime. They cite the need to protect the local labor market and economic stability.

Similarly, the Bahamas and Bermuda have expressed their reluctance to participate in the free movement initiative, highlighting the diverse perspectives within the CARICOM community.