CARICOM leaders who met virtually last Friday have ended the meeting without a
clear implementation date for the Freedom of Movement protocols, said to be one
of the cornerstones of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
Coming out of their 46 Heads of Government earlier in the month, the Caribbean
Community leaders had set March 31, 2024, as the date when they are expected to
fully implement the Freedom of Movements.
However, Antigua and Barbuda signaled its intention not to implement this final
step of the freedom of movement, opting instead, to maintain the current Skills
Certificate regime that it has implemented for several years.
Prime Minister Gaston Browne explained that it is not feasible for Antigua and
Barbuda to move to full freedom of movement at this time as this would certainly
lead to undo strains on its already overburdened social services such as schools and
health care.
That decision, has generated much discussion throughout CARICOM especially
considering that Antigua and Barbuda, more than any other jurisdiction within the
community, has been more welcoming of CARICOM nationals within its shores.
So much so, that Antigua and Barbuda has the highest number of non-native
residents in the entire Caribbean, representing close to fifty percent of its
population.
PM Browne said the country will move to full implementation of Freedom of
Movement when it thinks it is most appropriate to do so. At this moment, Antigua
and Barbuda will continue to honour the Skills Certificate regime through which
twelve classes of Caribbean workers are allowed to travel freely in the region and
to be gainfully employed.
Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to CARICOM, Dr. Clarence Henry, provided
insights into Friday’s meeting stating that some countries, notably Jamaica, had
raised a number of concerns, while other nations shared other concerns as well as
requested certain clarifications. “Some countries expressed support for the
protocols, while others had niggling inquiries that they wanted resolved. They
requested extra time to have their concerns recorded and clarified ahead of another
meeting set for Saturday March 23, where a final decision on whether the March
31 implementation date remains feasible or if a new date would be required,” he
stated.
