Bridgetown, Barbados – The CARICOM Private Sector Organization (CPSO) welcomes the implementation of full free movement rights for nationals of Barbados, Belize, Dominica and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). Full free movement for these nationals comes into effect today, October 1st, 2025.
The implementation of full free movement represents a defining milestone in the realization of the CSME and brings tangible meaning to the vision of a borderless regional economy. Full free movement for all nationals of these countries will contribute to cross border enterprise and will facilitate the ease of doing business for the private sector, thereby strengthening intra-regional economic activity, competitiveness, and economic growth.
For the private sector, it signals a deeper commitment to a unified economic space where goods, services, capital and skilled labour move freely, enabling firms to scale, invest, and innovate more effectively across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Commenting on the official start of the regime, Dr. Patrick Antoine, CEO and Technical Director of the CPSO, stated:
“The regional private sector has long advocated for the removal of barriers to the free movement of people within our Region. This move by Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines demonstrates the kind of action-oriented leadership needed to make regional integration a lived reality for businesses, workers, and families.”.
Dr. Antoine further noted that as the first CSME Member States to implement full free movement, these four countries now have the opportunity to demonstrate how labour mobility can strengthen economic opportunity, deepen social cohesion and build long-term resilience.
The CPSO pledges to work closely with Governments, the CARICOM Secretariat and other stakeholders to support remaining the CARICOM Member States in their journey toward full free movement, fulfilling the vision of the Framers of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas, and the aspirations of our people for a united, borderless Caribbean Community.