As Barbados’ Parliament deliberates the Caribbean Community (Free Movement of Nationals) Bill, political experts highlight the potential of regional labor mobility to address demographic challenges and stimulate economic growth. Peter Wickham, a prominent political scientist, emphasized that the initiative aligns with Barbados’ long-term economic objectives and regional integration commitments. ‘The Prime Minister has expressed a clear goal to significantly increase the population, and I fully support this strategy,’ Wickham stated. ‘There’s a direct correlation between population size and GDP growth. By attracting working-age individuals, we can enhance economic activity, bolster Social Security contributions, and create a win-win scenario.’ Wickham also refuted Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne’s claim that the bill is unrelated to the creation of a single market. ‘The notion that free movement of goods is more critical than labor mobility is misguided. In service-driven economies like ours, the movement of people is far more essential,’ he explained. He noted that Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines are spearheading the agreement due to their political stability and underpopulation. ‘These countries share common advantages, and I hope others will follow suit in due course,’ Wickham added. Deveron Bruce, another political scientist, echoed the importance of population growth in sustaining economic vitality, particularly given Barbados’ declining birth rates. ‘We’ve observed a worrying trend in reduced birth rates and declining youth populations, which impacts economic sustainability,’ Bruce remarked. ‘Population growth is vital for maintaining demand, creating opportunities, and driving prosperity.’ However, Bruce cautioned that the policy must address wage competition concerns. ‘In sectors like home care and construction, there’s a risk of wage suppression if workers undercut local expectations. The government must proactively safeguard workers’ interests while promoting migration as a growth catalyst,’ he advised. Both experts agree that while regional labor mobility offers significant economic benefits, careful implementation is crucial to ensure equitable outcomes.