Belize Yet to see Migrants from Free Movement Agreement  

It’s been almost a month since CARICOM’s Free Movement of Persons officially rolled out across Belize, Barbados, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. The key question now is how’s it going? Well, so far, movement has been minimal. The agreement took effect on October first, but not a single person has officially settled in Belize yet. Critics worried this could strain our economy, while the government insists it’s about building stronger regional ties. Today, CEO in the Ministry of Immigration, Tanya Santos, gave us an update on where things stand and what’s next for this bold initiative.

 

Tanya Santos, CEO, Ministry of Immigration

“We have seen mostly from Barbados and we recently we have a ongoing summit with water. I think that’s happening in San Pedro, and I know that some people from those countries have come and some have commented to the officers that they like the smooth process now and they feel part of Belize now that they’re here. One of them even mentioned I’m home. I’m home. I feel like I came home. So it’s been mostly for that I haven’t heard of anyone coming since the opening on the 1st of October to stay and to work. But that I’m sure that’s going to happen.”

 

Britney Gordon

“And when that does happen, we’re optimistic that it will continue to be a smooth process and continue to benefit the people of all the countries involved?”

 

Tanya Santos

“Yes, I expect it to be a smooth process. Belize is a welcoming country, has always been. So it’s a matter of integration when they do get here.”