Prime Minister Mia Mottley has staunchly defended her government’s regional free movement initiative, emphasizing its critical role in ensuring Barbados’ long-term stability and fostering Caribbean unity. Speaking during a rare Monday session in the House of Assembly, Mottley dismissed opposition claims that the policy is a covert strategy to influence future elections, labeling such accusations as “embarrassing and lazy.”
Mottley clarified that the Caribbean Community (Free Movement of Nationals) Bill is not about electoral gains but about addressing Barbados’ demographic challenges, including a declining population and a widening skills gap. She highlighted alarming statistics, noting a near 50% drop in births over the past two decades and an ageing population that threatens economic growth and social security systems.
The Prime Minister underscored the importance of migration and managed labor mobility as solutions to these challenges. She assured Barbadians that the policy would not compromise access to healthcare, jobs, or national security. Regional nationals, she explained, would only have access to emergency and primary healthcare and would not burden public resources. Mottley also emphasized that incoming workers would contribute to national insurance and taxes, with CARICOM social security arrangements ensuring benefits follow workers wherever they go.
Addressing concerns about worker exploitation, Mottley highlighted increased inspection capacities within the Labor Ministry and collaboration with contractors and unions to enforce fair labor practices. She also reassured the public that robust national security checks remain in place, with individuals screened through regional and international systems before entering Barbados.
Mottley expressed disappointment that the initiative, which she described as a “seminal moment” in Caribbean integration, had become mired in partisan controversy. She urged unity, reminding lawmakers of Barbados’ historical commitment to regional cooperation, from CARIFTA to the CARICOM Single Market and Economy.
On workforce needs, Mottley pointed to critical shortages in sectors like healthcare, engineering, and renewable energy. She cited the Queen Elizabeth Hospital as an example, where hundreds of positions remain unfilled due to a lack of qualified personnel. Mottley reiterated that the policy is not about replacing Barbadians but filling essential gaps to ensure the country’s systems function effectively.
Concluding her address, Mottley appealed for calm and collective resolve, urging the public not to succumb to fear or xenophobia. She pledged that her administration would safeguard Barbadians’ quality of life while ensuring the nation remains stable, secure, and prosperous for future generations.