The United Democratic Party (UDP) has launched a scathing critique of the Belizean Government’s management of the October 1 implementation of the CARICOM Free Movement of Nationals policy, which includes Belize, Barbados, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The UDP claims that Belizeans were inadequately informed about the policy’s practical implications, leaving both citizens and employers in the dark. During a press conference, UDP leader Hon. Patrick Faber highlighted that while Barbados conducted detailed briefings to prepare its citizens, Belize failed to provide comparable information. Faber argued that the lack of communication has created widespread confusion, with many Belizeans unaware of the policy’s full-scale effects. The Government, however, has outlined that the policy permits indefinite stays for nationals of the four countries, with registration systems in place for accessing healthcare and education. Security measures include vetting by CARICOM’s IMPACS and the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) to screen for potential threats. Despite these assurances, Faber expressed concerns about Belize’s readiness to handle the additional pressures, citing existing challenges such as crime, healthcare deficiencies, and economic strain. The UDP emphasized the need for clear communication, consultation, and safeguards to protect Belizeans and the economy, warning that the current approach risks fueling uncertainty and undermining public confidence.