Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne has raised significant concerns over Barbados potentially becoming a gateway for individuals acquiring CARICOM passports through Citizenship by Investment (CBI) programs. Speaking on Monday, Thorne urged immediate scrutiny of the Free Movement of Nationals Bill and related citizenship laws, which aim to facilitate regional integration with St Vincent and the Grenadines, Dominica, and Belize. He warned that the legislation could allow individuals from outside the region to enter and remain in Barbados indefinitely once they obtain citizenship from another CARICOM member state. Thorne highlighted the risks of such a scheme, emphasizing that it could undermine the integrity and value of Barbadian citizenship. He questioned the government’s haste in pushing the Free Movement Bill separately from other related legislation, which is currently under public consultation. Thorne cautioned that this arrangement might open a ‘back door’ for individuals with no cultural or historical ties to the region, potentially leading to the devaluation of Barbados’ national identity and pride. He called for a thorough examination of the motives behind the legislation, suggesting that it could be driven by financial interests rather than regional unity.