Barbados’ Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade Kerrie Symmonds has declared that the region is on the cusp of a historic transformation: the realisation of full free movement of people across CARICOM member states – a goal envisioned since the 1973 founding of the Caribbean Community.
“We are at a historical moment. It has been an ambition of this region for over 50 years. In our generation, we have lived to see and achieve a dream that many who toiled in the vineyards died without seeing,” Symmonds said yesterday during a press conference at Ilaro Court.
This long-standing objective – allowing CARICOM nationals to live, work, and move freely without permits – was once the bold vision of CARICOM founding such as fathers like Errol Barrow, Michael Manley, Dr Eric Williams and Forbes Burnham. But that dream has long remained elusive due to legal, political, and security challenges.
Now, that dream is finally within reach, Symmonds said.
Despite the celebratory tone, the minister acknowledged public concerns about security and criminal activity potentially linked to greater regional mobility.
“Change is never easy, and progress does not come without discomfort,” he said. “Top of mind for the Barbadian people is, obviously, the question of security – and the Government fully endorses and understands those concerns.”
Symmonds stated that the Heads of Government meeting produced concrete steps to strengthen regional security, including enhancing the capacity of the Regional Security System (RSS) – now bolstered by Suriname’s addition of personnel and technical resources.
He also reassured Barbadians that even under the free movement regime, surveillance measures remained strong.
“We already scrub air and sea passengers against internationally recognised watchlists,” he said.
“We work closely with INTERPOL and the US Customs and Border Protection Agency. In some cases, we know about a person’s criminal history before they even board a plane.”
Symmonds revealed that CARICOM Heads of Government had held a joint session with regional Chief Justices to confront long-standing challenges in policing and prosecution.
“There’s a need for a more harmonised approach to how we train and equip our police forces,” he said. “Too many cases fall apart because of poor evidence or improperly prepared files.”
He announced that Barbados’ Regional Training Centre will now serve as a regional centre of excellence, in partnership with INTERPOL, to improve intelligence gathering and case preparation.
“This is about correcting systemic weaknesses – not just in Barbados, but across the entire region,” he said.
But Symmonds pointed out that free movement was not just a security matter, but an opportunity.
“We in Barbados have achieved a heck of a lot in terms of our development,” he said. “This is a chance for skilled Barbadians – not just the professional class, but workers of all kinds – to help lift other Caribbean nations while pursuing success across the region.”
He added that economic mobility is no longer confined to borders.
“This opens doors for Barbadians to apply their skills in countries like Dominica, St Vincent, or Belize – contributing to their development while expanding their own opportunities,” Symmonds said.
“We ask Barbadians to take us into their confidence. We are listening, and we are acting – to protect our people and to open up new doors of opportunity across the region.” (NS)
The post Region on ‘cusp of history’ appeared first on nationnews.com.
