by Eulana Weekes
St. Kitts and Nevis (WINN): Four nations, including Barbados, Belize, St. Vincent and the Grenadines and Dominica, signed a historic pact among them, which allows their nationals to travel to, reside and work without a residency or work permit in any of their countries. The agreement, which took effect on October 01, 2025, also includes healthcare and education.
However, smaller CARICOM nations, including St. Kitts and Nevis, continue to cite logistical concerns. The country has not signalled any opposition to regional unity, but rather a cautious approach to ensure that the country is protected.
At his October 06, 2025, ‘Roundtable’, Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew, briefly discussed the federation’s position on free movement. He said the matter remains under review, and the process would also incorporate the input of the St. Kitts and Nevis people before any forward movement is taken.
“So, on the free movement matter, let me say that it has been an issue with CARICOM. We are studying it, as I’ve said before. There are some conditions to be met in terms of the smaller countries, so that we can still have some protection within the free movement. So we are working towards those. Then a conversation also needs to be had with our people here in St. Kitts and Nevis, so that we understand it and its implications. So when we would have gathered all of that information, CARICOM would have responded and so forth, then we’ll take it to our people, and then we’ll decide to move forward. Until then, we have held back on that. So that does not include St. Kitts and Nevis.”
The smaller nations fear that their economies, infrastructure, social services and job markets, among other things, would be put under strain.
Meanwhile, Barbados and the other signatory nations hailed their decision as progressive, suggesting that their agreement will enhance labour mobility, cultural exchange, and bolster their economies.
