Barbados Prime Minister Mia Mottley has called for regional support as Barbados, Dominica, Belize, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines implement full free movement among their citizens, beginning October 1, 2025. According to a statement carried by the Jamaica Observer, Mottley framed this step as more than symbolic — she said it “supports jobs, supports public services, and supports our future.”In a televised and radio address, Mottley acknowledged the mixed feelings the change may stir: excitement, anxiety, and legitimate questions about how it will affect families, employment, and social services. She said Barbados would “open our doors with order and with pride,” and stressed that while the shift is substantial, it is not sudden or reckless.Under the new regime, nationals from the four countries will have the right to live, work (without work permits), and study indefinitely across the member states. Mottley stressed that this freedom comes with responsibilities and guardrails—governments reserve the right to refuse entry on public health or security grounds, and criminality will not be tolerated.To facilitate seamless implementation, Barbados plans to introduce necessary immigration status mechanisms and legal changes. She noted that a bill will be tabled in Parliament on 7 October. Regulatory and professional requirements remain in place — for example, foreign lawyers must still hold valid practising certificates.Mottley argued that Barbados — with a shrinking working-age population and rising pressure from its elderly demographic — needs to attract talent to sustain its economy and social systems. She dismissed concerns that incoming workers might undercut locals, emphasising that the prevailing minimum wage and labour protections will apply equally to new citizens.She cast this move not as an isolated gambit, but as a step in regional integration: “In a world where many are building walls, the Caribbean must build bridges,” she said, underscoring that this is a measure and manageable approach rather than a leap into the unknown.The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat says significant preparations have been made to ensure a “smooth and secure rollout.” Nations outside these four will continue under the existing regime, which allows freedom of movement for skilled workers, business operators, and service providers under limited terms.The post Barbados Prime Minister Embraces Free Movement Between CARICOM Countries appeared first on Sheriff News Network - Guyana.