"The full free movement will allow nationals of the four countries to reside, work and remain indefinitely in any of the countries without the need for a work or residency permit. It is an expansion of migration options currently offered under the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) programme, in which Caricom nationals can apply to reside in any participating member countries under categories such as skills, services and business establishment. David Comissiong, the Barbados ambassador to Caricom, said the scheme was not just about free movement of workers, but was also about cultural and economic integration and achieving a single market and single economy across the Caribbean."
"We are virtually the same people. We have no historical animosities against each other, and we are very similar culturally. So, this is a breakthrough, even though it's only four countries. The idea is, once the four countries make the start and perfect this regime, that others will join."
"I know that some countries were concerned that if there was a lot of movement that a lot of people came in, say for employment, and they brought their children with them and spouses, the numbers may add up. And where the health sector is already stretched just catering for the local population, that may extend to a point where the authorities may find it difficult to deal with."
A historic EU-style free movement agreement among Barbados, Belize, Dominica and St Vincent and the Grenadines comes into force, allowing nationals to reside, work and remain indefinitely without work or residency permits. The arrangement expands options under the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME), enabling movement across categories such as skills, services and business establishment. The scheme aims to promote cultural and economic integration, advance a single market and single economy across the Caribbean, and help retain skilled professionals in the region. Some member states expressed concerns about potential pressure on stretched social services, particularly health provision, if large inflows include families.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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