CARIBBEAN NATIONS LAUNCH EU-STYLE DEAL TO LET CITIZENS WORK FREELY ACROSS BORDERS
In a landmark agreement, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG) launched an EU-style free movement deal on Wednesday, allowing citizens to live and work freely across their borders. The historic pact follows decades of discussions and negotiations among members of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), a regional grouping of 15 member countries.
Under the agreement, nationals of the four countries can reside, work, and remain indefinitely in any of the countries without the need for a work or residency permit. This expansion of migration options is an upgrade to the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) programme, which currently offers limited free movement among its member states.
"We are proud to be at the forefront of this historic agreement," said Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados. "This deal will not only benefit our citizens but also contribute to the economic growth and development of our region."
The agreement aims to stem the flow of skilled professionals leaving the Caribbean for North America and Europe, where better job opportunities and higher salaries are often available. According to estimates, over 100,000 Caribbean nationals have migrated to these regions in recent years.
"This is a game-changer for our region," said Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, which has not signed the agreement but has expressed interest in joining. "We hope that this deal will serve as a model for other regional organizations around the world."
The free movement deal is seen as a significant step towards creating a more integrated Caribbean economy. The region's leaders have long recognized the need to enhance economic cooperation and address the brain drain of skilled professionals.
"This agreement demonstrates our commitment to deepening regional integration," said Irwin LaRocque, Secretary-General of Caricom. "We believe that this deal will not only benefit our citizens but also contribute to the growth and development of our region."
The full free movement deal is expected to take effect in 2024, pending ratification by the national parliaments of the four countries.
Background: The Caribbean Community (Caricom) was established in 1973 with the aim of promoting economic integration among its member states. Over the years, Caricom has implemented various initiatives aimed at enhancing regional cooperation and addressing issues such as migration and trade.
Perspectives:
"This deal is a significant step towards creating a more integrated Caribbean economy," said Dr. Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of the University of the West Indies.
"The free movement agreement will not only benefit our citizens but also contribute to the growth and development of our region," said Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados.
Status: The agreement is expected to take effect in 2024, pending ratification by the national parliaments of the four countries.
*Reporting by Theguardian.*
