FOUR CARIBBEAN COUNTRIES IMPLEMENT FREE MOVEMENT PACT. (PHOTO).

Four Caribbean countries implement free movement pact

Citizens of Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines can now live, work, and travel freely among the four nations without a visa or work permit under a new free movement agreement within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), which includes 15 member states. The pact allows nationals to settle permanently in any of the participating countries and access essential public services, including education and primary health care.

The initiative is part of the "enhanced cooperation" provision in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, enabling select member states to advance integration even if the entire bloc does not participate. CARICOM said the agreement provides a digital registry or indefinite-stay stamp for entry, along with unified security and public health procedures coordinated through the Regional Implementation Agency for Crime and Security. Barbados’ Foreign Ministry noted that professional skills certificates are no longer required, expanding access beyond qualified workers. Citizens can move for a “legitimate purpose” and are entitled to emergency medical care, enrollment in schools, and participation in social security programs. Barbados’ ambassador to CARICOM, David Comissiong, described the agreement as a step toward strengthening Caribbean identity and advancing the goal of a single market and economy. Analysts cautioned that the participating countries will need to manage public services carefully to accommodate new residents, while CARICOM sees the pact as a key move to create local job opportunities and reduce migration to North America and Europe. Other member states are expected to consider joining the agreement in the coming months.