The recent commitment by four CARICOM member nations—Dominica, Barbados, Belize, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines—to fully implement free movement of their nationals has garnered support from the Caribbean Community Private Sector Organization.
In a recent media release, CPSO noted that the move, projected to be in effect by October 1, 2025, aligns with the provisions outlined in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas and the Protocol on Enhanced Cooperation.
As the newest accredited associate institution within CARICOM, the CPSO aims to foster private sector involvement in advancing the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) initiative.
The CPSO is now urging other member states to address remaining administrative and legislative obstacles to achieve comprehensive free movement by the end of 2025, specifically targeting a deadline of December 31.
This announcement comes in the wake of CARICOM Chairman and Jamaican Prime Minister Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness revealing during the closing press conference of the 49th Heads of Government Meeting that the aforementioned four countries are moving forward with full implementation of free movement.
Dr. Holness also reaffirmed Jamaica’s reported dedication to overcoming legislative and administrative hurdles that have previously slowed progress.
The CPSO says it sees these steps as a significant milestone in operationalizing the CSME, emphasizing that full free movement of labor is essential for regional economic resilience and growth.
According to the statement, since its inception in 2020, the organization has consistently championed the cause, recognizing that labor mobility is a critical factor for achieving regional economic scale and stability.
The private sector’s advocacy on this issue was reportedly highlighted during a business forum breakfast held alongside the 49th CARICOM Summit in Montego Bay on July 8, 2025. During the event, CPSO leadership reiterated the importance of removing restrictions on intra-regional labor movement, especially in sectors like construction, agriculture, tourism, and services.
CPSO Chairman Gervase Warner pointed out that the post-pandemic recovery and increasing global competition demand more accessible and flexible labor markets across the Caribbean.
“This is an essential condition for private-sector-led expansion,” remarked Warner.
The Organization also listed other industry leaders, including Executive Committee members Christian Mouttet and William Mahfood, as voicing their support and discussing the need for managed, phased arrangements to facilitate labor from countries like Haiti, addressing critical shortages in key sectors.
Prime Minister Holness’s announcement of the member states’ commitment was met with satisfaction from private sector representatives, including Mahfood and Mouttet, who saw it as a positive step forward.
Dr. Patrick Antoine, CPSO’s CEO, noted that the organization had received direct interest from authorities and private stakeholders in some CARICOM nations regarding the provision of agricultural labor for crops such as sugar, cocoa, bananas, and nutmeg—sectors currently suffering from severe labor shortages. He emphasized that a mutual desire exists among supply and demand sides to develop formal labor schemes, though final decisions will require regional government approval.
PM Holness said that the Conference also agreed to expand the list of skilled categories eligible for free movement, including “aviation personnel, photogrammetry specialists, field maintenance workers, and aircraft maintenance professionals”, according to the CPSO.
The Organization says it commends the leadership demonstrated by the four member states and recognizes Jamaica’s proactive efforts to expedite its internal processes toward full implementation.
Meanwhile, it continues to urge the remaining CARICOM countries to resolve outstanding legislative and administrative barriers, aiming for a region where free movement can be fully realized by December 31, 2025.
Committed to fostering regional cooperation, the CPSO has pledged to collaborate with governments and the private sector to turn this historic milestone into what it calls a “fully realized” framework that promotes integration and shared prosperity across the Caribbean.
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