标签： Barbados

The Democratic Labour Party (DLP) has raised significant concerns over the legality and timing of the Barbados government’s decision to allow CARICOM nationals from Belize, Dominica, and St Vincent and the Grenadines to live and work freely in Barbados starting October 1, 2025. Opposition Leader Ralph Thorne KC criticized the announcement as “tainted with illegality,” emphasizing that it lacked prior parliamentary approval. Speaking at a press conference on Saturday, Thorne reaffirmed the DLP’s support for regional integration and labor mobility but insisted that such policies must be firmly rooted in law. “Even a prime minister who believes she is all-powerful is still subject to the rule of law,” he stated, calling the decision an “arbitrary exercise of authority.” Thorne highlighted that the relevant immigration and citizenship bills are still under review by a Joint Select Committee on Governance, rendering any current actions by state agencies legally unsound. He urged government departments, including Immigration and the Barbados Revenue Authority, to refrain from implementing the policy until it is properly legislated. Former Minister of Foreign Affairs, Senator Maxine McClean, echoed these concerns, stressing the importance of legal frameworks for effective regional integration. She also questioned the implications of Citizenship by Investment Programmes (CBIs), particularly in Dominica, where the number of passports issued far exceeds the population. Attorney-at-law Corey Greenidge provided a legal analysis, pointing out discrepancies between draft legislation and public statements by Prime Minister Mia Mottley. He raised concerns about the reduced citizenship qualifying period of six months and its potential impact on voter eligibility. Thorne reiterated that the DLP’s stance is not anti-regional but pro-law, urging Barbadians to engage with the Joint Select Committee’s work and participate in public consultations. He warned that the party would consider seeking judicial review if the initiative violates the law.

Barbados and fellow CARICOM member states have expressed strong support for a recent United Nations Security Council resolution establishing a new Gang Suppression Force (GSF) comprising up to 5,500 personnel to be deployed in Haiti. The resolution, adopted on Monday, aims to bolster ongoing initiatives to stabilize Haiti’s security environment and facilitate the organization of elections. François Jackman, Barbados’ Permanent Representative to the UN, speaking on behalf of CARICOM, emphasized the resolution’s significance as a pivotal step toward creating conditions conducive to elections, delivering humanitarian aid, rebuilding institutions, and fostering long-term economic development in Haiti. Ambassador Jackman affirmed CARICOM’s commitment to collaborating with the Security Council to provide essential support to the Haitian people. He also called on the international community to intensify its efforts to end the prolonged violence and suffering endured by Haitians. The GSF, which replaces the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Force operational since 2023, is a more substantial and mission-focused force tasked with combating the rampant violence and chaos instigated by armed gangs in Port-au-Prince and other regions of Haiti.

The Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) is emerging as a pivotal force in harmonizing the fragmented cannabis regulations across the Caribbean, a move that could enhance regional trade, testing, and inclusivity. At the 2nd Cannabliss Conference in St Vincent and the Grenadines, regulators from various islands emphasized the urgent need for alignment to compete globally. Currently, each island operates under its own system, from Jamaica’s established cannabis authority to Saint Lucia’s pending legislation. However, this patchwork of laws has stifled investment and hindered the development of regional supply chains. Dylan Norbert-Inglis, Saint Lucia’s cannabis regulator, highlighted that harmonization is essential for creating a unified stance. A collaborative framework would enable Caribbean states to share testing facilities, facilitate cross-border trade, and ensure the participation of traditional farmers and small cultivators. The Caribbean Cannabis Forum has already laid the groundwork for cooperation, with regulators exchanging insights on issues ranging from pesticide use to sacramental practices. Barbados’ Shanika Roberts-Odle noted that while her country’s cautious approach reflects social realities, harmonization could lower barriers for small players, such as high fees and stringent security requirements. Jamaica, a pioneer in cannabis reform, has embedded its Alternative Development programme into regulations to support traditional farmers—a model other islands could adopt through OECS channels. Beyond licensing, regulators stressed the importance of harmonized testing and export standards. Antigua’s Regis Burton warned that without common benchmarks, inter-island trade would remain challenging. St Vincent’s investment in a modern laboratory underscores the need for a regional network to make such resources accessible to smaller states. Rastafari representatives urged regulators to prioritize social justice, emphasizing that the industry’s development should be inclusive and equitable. The consensus was clear: OECS-led coordination could provide the scale and coherence the region needs to thrive in the global cannabis market.