Caribbean News
CARICOM Takes Bold Step Toward Full Free Movement Amid Calls for Regional Unity and Security
Deandrea Hamilton | Editor
July 14, 2025 – After decades of dialogue, delays, and dashed expectations, the longstanding dream of full free movement within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) may finally be taking shape. At the conclusion of the 49th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government, held in Montego Bay, Jamaica, CARICOM announced that four Member States — Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines — have committed to implement the unrestricted movement of their nationals among themselves by October 1, 2025.
Under the terms of the new agreement, citizens of these participating states will have the right to enter, reside, work, and remain indefinitely in any of the four countries without the need for work or residency permits. They will also be entitled to public primary and secondary education, and emergency and primary health care, within the means of the host country.
This limited but significant breakthrough was made possible under the Protocol on Enhanced Cooperation, allowing a subset of Member States to move forward even as full consensus remains elusive among all 15 full and five associate members of the regional bloc. Historically, implementation of free movement provisions under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) has faltered due to varying national policies, public sentiment, and administrative capacity.
Adding further momentum to the regional integration effort, Heads of Government also agreed to expand the categories of
skilled nationals eligible for free movement. Most notably, aviation personnel — including aircraft maintenance engineers, professional pilots, air traffic controllers, and flight operations officers — will now be formally included under Article 46 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, a move widely welcomed by industry stakeholders and young professionals seeking intra-regional career opportunities.
“This development may be incremental, but it signals real momentum,” one regional observer noted. “Citizens will be watching closely to see if October delivers substance—not just symbolism.”
In her opening remarks, CARICOM Secretary-General Dr Carla Barnett highlighted the Community’s need to act with “courage and conviction” in the face of global uncertainties, climate change, economic pressures, and the urgent needs of the region’s youth and women. She called the progress thus far “commendable,” but also urged continued collective action.
Outgoing Chair and Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley echoed the call for perseverance, quoting Jamaican music legend Jimmy Cliff: “You can get it if you really want, but you must try and try and try.”
Mottley pointed to rising crime, the threat of disinformation, and continued instability in Haiti as pressing issues demanding regional unity. Her successor, Prime Minister Andrew Holness of Jamaica, made regional security the centerpiece of his new Chairmanship, advocating for a “global war on gangs” and intensified coordination to dismantle transnational criminal networks.
“Our theme — People, Partnerships and Prosperity: Promoting a Secure and Sustainable Future — reflects the truth that security and resilience are not optional; they are the foundation of prosperity,” Holness declared. He stressed the importance of engaging Caribbean youth in shaping their futures and reaffirmed CARICOM’s role as a “Zone of Peace.”
The communiqué released on July 8, 2025, reflects both hope and hard reality: that true regional integration requires more than political will — it requires implementation. As October approaches, CARICOM citizens across the region will be watching closely, hopeful that this renewed commitment signals the beginning of a freer, more unified Caribbean.
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Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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