In a landmark step toward deepening regional integration, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines have confirmed that their nationals will enjoy full Free Movement rights across their territories beginning 1 October 2025.
The decision follows a CARICOM Heads of Government resolution taken in July, authorising groups of Member States to pursue accelerated integration under the Enhanced Cooperation Chapter of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. This mechanism permits at least three Member States to advance targeted objectives among themselves where consensus at the Community-wide level is not immediately achievable.
At a coordination meeting held on Thursday, September 18, 2025, officials from the four participating countries reaffirmed their commitment to ensure smooth implementation. They agreed that their nationals will be able to enter, leave, re-enter, move freely, reside, work, and remain indefinitely in any of the four Member States without the need for a work or residency permit.
The discussions emphasised the importance of administrative readiness and public sensitisation. Representatives confirmed that many of the necessary systems are already in place for the October rollout. However, they noted that public education is vital to ensure citizens are fully informed of their rights, including access to emergency and primary healthcare services, as well as public primary and secondary education, within the resources of the host state.
This initiative expands upon the framework of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). While all CARICOM nationals continue to benefit from existing free movement regimes covering skills, services, business establishment, and travel facilitation, this enhanced arrangement provides a broader and more immediate set of rights for nationals of the four pioneering states.
Diplomatic observers note that the initiative could serve as a model of deeper regionalism, signalling the potential for other CARICOM members to join once conditions permit.
Story: Lawal Mohammed
