Barbados leads in free movement
Published:Friday | May 29, 2009 | 8:38 AM
Despite recent criticisms of its policy regarding illegal migration, regional statistics have shown that Barbados currently leads the way in legal movement of CARICOM nationals.
Steven McAndrew, the specialist for Free Movement at the CARICOM Single Market and Economy Unit in Bridgetown, said the island could not be faulted for its commitment to free movement of skilled nationals.
According to McAndrew, the record currently shows that Barbados is actually leading the way in terms of its accreditation of the nine approved categories.
These are university graduates, holders of associate degrees, artistes, musicians, media workers, sports persons, teachers, nurses and artisans.
The CSME unit recently completed a tour of member states with the aim of auditing the implementation process of the regional agreement.
Barbados is among three CARICOM states that are yet to grant the six month definite entry as agreed to by heads of government in July 2007.
The others are Antigua and Barbuda and St Kitts and Nevis.