Free movement of people in 4 Caricom states begins tomorrow

Many Vincentians and other Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nationals are welcoming the decision by four CARICOM governments to institute the free movement of their nationals from tomorrow, Wednesday, October,1, 2025.

On Friday July 11, 2025, Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves announced that Barbados, Belize, the Commonwealth of Dominica and St Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG), will institute complete freedom of movement of nationals between their countries from October 1, 2025.

On Thursday, September,18, 2025, authorities met to further coordinate, update, and discuss steps towards its operationalisation. The initiative means that nationals of these countries will have the right to enter, leave and re-enter, move freely, reside, work, and remain indefinitely in the four countries without the need for a work or residency permit.

Questioned about the initiative, Vincentian/Canadian and local businessman, Duran Williams, said he supports the move.

“I think the initiative is a good one that can strengthen our regional integration. It’s incumbent on the people who take advantage of this initiative to remain good-fate actors,” he told SEARCHLIGHT.

He, however, noted that his preference will be to stay in SVG, “the land that I know and grew up in, and make whatever contribution I can as an individual here.”

Williams is also of the opinion that the initiative can serve as a good alternative to migration to Europe and North America, as there is more of a cultural familiarity within the region that will make assimilation easier.

“It’s imperative for the people who take advantage of the initiative to assimilate to the country they migrate to,” Williams pointed out.

Delaurette McKenzie-Delves, a local nail technician and businesswoman said in her opinion, the move will foster economic growth, social development, and stronger partnerships.

“Overall, this initiative has the potential to bring numerous benefits to the participating countries and their citizens, promoting regional integration, economic growth, and social development,” McKenzie-Delves said.

However, she believes the countries involved must pay attention to the security issues involved.

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