Dr Andrew Holness, CARICOM chairman and prime minister of Jamaica. Photo: Ashley Anguin/Photographer

Jamaica’s Prime Minister Dr Andrew Holness, who is the chairman of CARICOM, made the announcement during yesterday’s closing media conference of the 49th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Conference of Heads of Government in Montego Bay, St James.

“On the CARICOM Single Market and Economy, we agreed that the pace and scope of implementation was just too slow, and we agreed that we will do everything in our power to speed up implementation,” said Holness.

He confirmed that Barbados, Belize, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Dominica have reiterated their willingness to implement full free movement under the Protocol on Enhanced Cooperation, which was signed by all member states.

Holness also emphasised that Jamaica remains committed to the goal of full free movement and is working to overcome internal constraints.

“I want to make clear that Jamaica remains committed to implementing full free movement in accordance with the treaty amendments, and we are also examining ways to speed up our own implementation,” he said.

REASON BEHIND DELAY

While acknowledging the country’s slower pace, Holness explained the reason behind Jamaica’s delay.

“Due to our legislative framework and other considerations, we have had to move with greater consideration. However, it is our intention to speed up the implementation of full free movement. Jamaica is indeed committed to this,” he said.

The prime minister also announced an expansion of the approved skilled categories under the CSME regime.

“Heads agreed to add aviation personnel to the approved list of skilled categories, and it is worth noting that Jamaica contributed three new occupations to the list, namely photogrammetry, field maintenance personnel, and aircraft maintenance personnel”.

The Protocol on Enhanced Cooperation was signed by CARICOM leaders in 2023, signalling a move toward removing the need for work permits or skills certificates for nationals moving across borders within the region.

The October implementation date for four countries is expected to serve as a major test case for how full free movement could work across the Community. CARICOM’s goal is to achieve greater mobility, shared economic opportunity, and deeper regional unity. The initiative forms part of the broader CARICOM 2030 agenda.

Holness also used the opportunity to call for improved governance structures within the Community to support smoother implementation of decisions.

“The reality is that our operations must be more agile and fit for purpose as we seek to deliver outcomes for our community in more efficient and timely ways,” he said.