Dominica is among four CARICOM member states that will implement free movement of nationals, marking a significant step toward Caribbean integration under the grouping’s Single Market and Economy (CSME).
The implementation is expected to begin on October 1, 2025, and will include Dominica, Belize, Barbados, and St Vincent and the Grenadines. CARICOM Chairman and Prime Minister of Jamaica, Andrew Holness made the
announcement at the close of the 49th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Conference of Heads of Government in Montego Bay on Tuesday, July 8.
“On the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, we agreed that the pace and scope of implementation [were] just too slow, and we agreed that we will do everything in our power to speed up implementation,” Holness stated.
He pointed out that the four countries have again expressed their willingness to implement full free movement despite the slow pace of implementation across member states.
“I am pleased this year that we are now moving from applying administratively the protocol and the enhanced cooperation which all member states have signed with the four countries, Barbados, Belize, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica, reiterating their willingness to implement full free movement and other protocols, starting October 1, 2025,” he said.
CARICOM’s free movement initiative allows skilled nationals of participating member states to seek employment in other member states without needing work permits. This aims to facilitate the movement of labor within the region and promote economic integration.
The initiative was formally established on January 1, 2006, and was expected to be fully implemented by 2015, but that did not happen.
Guyana’s President, Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, said progress was being made in its full implementation but pointed out that some countries need time to adapt.
“Some countries will need more time to transition. We’re finding the right language and framework to support that,” he said on Monday, July, while addressing the CARICOM meeting in Montego Bay.
For his part, Holness said his country remains committed to implementing full free movement but has to deal with its own internal issues first.
“I want to make clear that Jamaica remains committed to implementing full free movement in accordance with the treaty amendments, and we are also examining ways to speed up our own implementation,” he remarked. “Due to our legislative framework and other considerations, we have had to move with greater consideration. However, it is our intention to speed up the implementation of full free movement.”
Free movement of CARICOM nationals, including the right to work without applying for work permits is a step in the right direction.
Hopefully Dominicans, in addition to being able to work without a work permit within the OECS islands of St Vincent and the Grenadines, St Lucia, St Kitts and Nevis, Montserrat. and Antigua and Barbuda will be able to work without need for work permits in Barbados and Belize as of October 2025.
Hopefully the other CARICOM member states will follow soon.
Good move, and may God continue to bless our region going forward.
No surprise here. Once the suggestion comes from Mia Mottley, Roosevelt will always acquiesce. If Roosevelt can give up ROSS which accounted for 33% of his country’s GDP, what else he will not do to appease the goodly lady.
The question is though how many CARICOM nationals are prepared to live in a country (Dominica) where the minimum wage is one of the lowest and unemployment the highest in the region.
Fact! Barbados has one of the highest unemployment problem in the Caribbean. Guess they want to export their excesses.
Why your mischievous representation of facts. How do you arrive at 33% loss of the GDP with Ross departure, lol, can you show me a study to prove what you are saying. As to your statement, “how many CARICOM nationals are prepared to live in a country (Dominica)” then why there have been an influx of CARICOM nationals especially in the trades of Construction never before in our history, know why the Capital projects. Dominica does not have the highest unemployment in the region. Dominica does not have the lowest minimum wage in the region. Dominica has been ranked among countries with the lowest income tax on wages in the region. People come to Dominica because of the quality of life
https://www.travelexpatguide.com/en/DM_dominica/blog/health/dominica-healthcare-system-rated-63-100-expatriate-guide-2024.html.
You will achieve nothing with your mischievous comments, misrepresenting facts, so long for your idleness.
Dominican citizens (the employers), were you all consulted about this free movement thingy by the government (your employees)?
Dominican citizens, did you all agree & give permission to your employees (ie Roosevelt & Co) to go ahead and sign up Dominica to this CARICOM (a vacuous talkshop) free movement thing?
Or is it that the employee(s) is seeking to impose their personal views along with the dictates & agenda of their ‘friends’ (ie the non-elected puppet-masters, bureaucrats & technocrats in CARICOM & elsewhere) on their employers ie the citizens?
Ah wha madness is dis boy!!!