PM praises Free Movement Initiative
Qualified professionals in aviation-related skill areas like accident investigators, aviation security inspectors, flight operations inspectors, flight attendants, pilots, engineers, and air traffic controllers have been added to the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) free movement of skilled nationals list.
People who are certified in these areas are now allowed to move more freely and work across participating CARICOM member states. The decision followed the 50th Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government in St. Kitts and Nevis late last month.
The Free Movement of Skilled Nationals is a key part of the CARICOM integration process under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). It allows certain qualified Caribbean citizens to live and work in another CARICOM Member State without needing a traditional work permit.
Speaking on the issue recently, Prime Minister Dr. Godwin Friday pointed out that the Caribbean faces a shortage of aviation personnel, and this presents an opportunity for training initiatives and potential investment in programmes in St. Vincent and the Grenadines (SVG).
“…of interest to all of us is the fact that there is a recognized shortage of aviation personnel here in the Caribbean and indeed worldwide. So, it is an area of great opportunity for us to develop programmes to train persons to work in these fields. So, we will seriously be examining all opportunities in this area with a view to developing such programmes as a means of creating jobs and encouraging investment in St Vincent and the Grenadines.”
Dr. Friday also noted that benefits are being derived as a result of the initiative that started from October 1, 2025, that saw Barbados, Belize, Dominica and St Vincent and the Grenadines initiating the freedom of movement of nationals between these countries.
Giving an update on the free movement initiative, Dr. Friday said SVG has so far issued seven certificates allowing full free movement- six to Barbadian nationals and one to a Belizean.
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