The Barbados Bar Association has issued a definitive statement emphasizing that all legal professionals intending to practice in Barbados under the newly implemented CARICOM cross-border initiative must comply with the country’s established legal entry and registration protocols, irrespective of their nationality. This announcement follows the activation of the initiative on Wednesday, which grants citizens of Barbados, Dominica, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and Belize indefinite rights to reside, work, and study in Barbados. Bar President Kaye Williams addressed concerns raised by professionals regarding the initiative’s implementation, reaffirming Prime Minister Mia Mottley’s position on the matter. Williams underscored that while the Bar Association supports regional freedom of movement, all attorneys-at-law and law firms, whether CARICOM nationals or not, must adhere to Barbados’ legislative requirements for professional practice. Quoting Prime Minister Mottley, Williams highlighted that the initiative does not exempt professionals from following the rules governing their respective fields. She specifically referenced the Professional Services Registration Act and the Profession Trade and Business Registration Act, which mandate that lawyers and other regulated professionals obtain valid practicing certificates and register with the Registrar of the Supreme Court. Williams also noted that these requirements apply to a broad spectrum of professions, including medical practitioners, accountants, architects, and journalists, among others. The initiative marks a historic step in regional integration, offering citizens of the four participating states access to social, educational, and health benefits equivalent to those of Barbados’ citizens.