Posted as a comment by BU family member Artax to The Mia Mottley Video Trending blog.
While the PMs of other Caribbean islands seem to be on the defensive, Mottley, Skerritt and ‘Comrade’ Gonsalves decided, perhaps against their better judgement, to rush ‘head foremost’ into ‘full freedom of movement.’
Mottley seems to be more interested in CREATING a ‘PERSONAL LEGACY,’ rather than addressing issues facing Barbadians.
According to the Antiguan government, “Although Antigua and Barbuda has continued to stand on its policy of skills-based free movement of people, it is still a participant to the OECS’ separate free movement framework, meaning that any CHANGE in CURRENT POLICY will likely see an INCREASE in nationals from countries like Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Jamaica, Belize and Suriname.”
According to Antigua and Barbuda’s Ambassador to CARICOM, Dr Clarence Henry, “The policy is pragmatic and realistic to avoid dislocation of the indigenous population, protecting jobs, and avoiding exacerbation of our economic/fiscal challenge.”
John A mentioned, “the problem will always be for the islands with the stronger economies, as those from the weaker economies will gravitate there.”
Regional territories, such as Bermuda (BMD$1 = US$1) and Cayman Islands (CI$1 = US$1.20), that have ‘high’ currency exchange rates, although Associate Members of CARICOM, and seeking full membership of the regional integration movement, ARE NOT PARTICIPATING in the initiative.
Bahamas (BSD$1 = US$1), is a member of full member of CARICOM, since 1983, but is NOT part of the Caribbean Single Market & Economy. As such, the free movement of people DOES NOT APPLY to them.
During the virtual conference on “Reporting on the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME),” Director of the Barbados based Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Single Market (CSME Unit), Leo Preville, said the perceptions of the movement of people are “still viewed from the lens of NATIONAL INSULARITY” and that there are still “lengthy delays” in decision making on critical issues.
Bushie mentioned West Indies cricket. The West Indies cricket team, composed of players from different Caribbean nations, is a rare example of regional unity. Unfortunately, however, we’ve allowed INSULARITY to divide us.
Some people believe the WI team should be predominately comprised of cricketers from their respective islands.
I was reading the cricket blogs a few days ago, and the Guyanese are protesting that their players were not chosen for the WI T20 team for the series against Nepal.
A Guyanese going by the name, Mikheal Zulfikar, made several comments, which received several ‘likes,’ that there were too many ‘Bages’ in the team, and that WI should get rid of all the ‘Bages.’
I’ve seen similar sentiments expressed by Jamaicans and Trinidadians a well. They continually suggest their respective islands should withdraw from CWI, and ‘go it alone.’
These are the same people who come to Barbados and DON’T want to leave.
They engage in the ILLEGAL activity of SQUATTING on people’s property, while our government REWARD them with houses, land, loans, and grants.
Recently, they were in the media complaining about the length of time it’s taking for them to be resettled, perhaps believing they’re inherently deserving of privileges or special treatment.
Rushing to full freedom of movement will not solve these underlying problems.
Rather than consult with Barbadians BEFORE making a UNILATERAL DECISION committing Barbados to implementing full freedom of movement, along with Dominica, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and Belize……
……Mottley waited until the EVE of the October 1, 2025, implementation date to address their concerns, which she CONTEMPTUOUSLY DISMISSED, during her THREE (3) MINUTE video broadcast.
The blogmaster invites you to join the discussion.