The Government of Barbados has announced plans to expand freedom of movement within the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) by opening its borders to at least three additional states, including two from the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and Belize. While this move is framed as a step toward regional integration, it has sparked significant criticism among Barbadians who feel it is ill-timed given the country’s pressing domestic challenges. Barbados is grappling with a soaring cost of living, stagnant wages, and overstretched public services. Many citizens argue that prioritizing border expansion before addressing these issues raises concerns about whose interests are truly being served. The potential influx of migrants, whether immediate or gradual, could exacerbate existing economic and social pressures. Critics liken the move to pouring water into a leaking bucket, emphasizing that it may worsen rather than alleviate the country’s problems. Unemployment and underemployment, particularly among the youth, remain high, and opening the labor market to more competition could further depress wages. Additionally, long healthcare wait times, scarce affordable housing, and inadequate schools and transportation systems are already straining the population. The Barbados Consumer Empowerment Network (BCEN) has expressed support for regional integration but insists it must be fair, reciprocal, and sustainable. They urge the government to focus on stabilizing the economy, reducing living costs, and improving public services before pursuing symbolic gestures of integration. BCEN emphasizes that leadership should be measured by how well it cares for its people, not by how quickly it opens its borders.