VI not signing on to ‘free movement’ for nationals of CARICOM states- Premier Wheatley
It was recently reported that four CARICOM member states- Barbados, Belize, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica- will implement full free movement of nationals by October 1, 2025, marking a major step forward in regional integration under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
The announcement was made by CARICOM Chairman and Jamaican Prime Minister Dr Andrew M. Holness during the closing news conference of the 49th Regular Meeting of the CARICOM Conference of Heads of Government.
‘That wouldn’t necessarily work for us’- Premier Wheatley
During a press conference today, July 11, 2025, Premier Wheatley was asked whether the Virgin Islands, as an Associate Member of CARICOM, would also welcome the free movement of nationals of CARICOM member states.
“We wouldn’t implement full movement of people,” Premier Wheatley responded, adding that not all member states of CARICOM have signed on to the initiative.
“Various entities in the Caribbean have different situations, and that wouldn’t necessarily work for us. We have a small population. We already have, I would say, quite a number of nationalities have come from other places to contribute to the building of the Virgin Islands and I think we’re in a different situation than most of the other bigger territories and the nature of their particular economies, so we wouldn’t be signing on to that,” Premier Wheatley stated.
No work permits needed under free movement initiative
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Holness said the four countries agreed that the pace and scope of implementation were just too slow, and they agreed that they would do everything in their power to speed up implementation.
Holness said the four nations reiterated their willingness to implement full free movement under the Protocol on Enhanced Cooperation, which all CARICOM members signed.
Full free movement within CARICOM allows for the free movement of skilled nationals, services, capital, and the right to establish businesses or offer services in other participating member states without restrictions.
The free movement of skilled nationals means that qualified workers can seek employment in other member states without needing work permits.
_01.gif)
_01.gif)
.png)
Follow Us On
32 Responses to “VI not signing on to ‘free movement’ for nationals of CARICOM states- Premier Wheatley”
Like the Mighty Sparrow sang, "Only a fool break his own heart." (Will agree to let others swarming over him (B.V.I/VI people)
But when things get rough they n you keep away too. When UK got you stressed, stay away from CariCom. You all just hypocrites
They helping building the island
There is a reason they join caricom but some off u bad mind people will not see that
If u ain’t like your own how will u like other
Only when hurricanes strikes
Food Security
Policies benifits you?
Then use a next organization that benifits you
Perhaps America and the US dollar ties
Suppose America had asked you to use pounds because they do not beniifit from such a small island to use their dollars ?
This is the nature of the beast !!!’ Well sah
Again, I’m asking why do citizens of independent nations/countries want to have citizenship in a country that the so willing left? From my observation, every year there are independence celebration in your home country and some even host events here in the VI. All of you proud a to be self government. So again why demand/want to be citizens under a system you left long ago. It is because you left to early or it because you feel things are not going as you hope? Should more have been done to help you along the way before the final cut. Help me to understand this line of thinking. In my case, when the VI do gain independence l, I’m hoping that we are fully prepare for it. I’m hoping our citizens understands that they can’t just show up at someone else shore s and expected to be equal to it citizens and refuse to leave when asked. I’m hoping that we’re not running from it, when this is what we’re asking for.
To our Premier, take a page from two of our former Chief Ministers, your Grandfather and Hon. L. Stout. Both we’re adamant about us controlling movement in the territory so that Virgin Islanders to get shut out. Be careful how you approach this issue to avoid future fallouts. By the way don’t you find it strange how many countries have not sign this agreement yet but they have citizens here is the VI demanding things and mad they do getting it. This says a lot about some countries and their leadership.
OUR hero , is saying )> am sorry to disappoint YA'AL island people , but I won't Be signing that piece ah $f!7 , we gah enough of ya'll here already - NOPE absolutely not