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.
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15 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