Recent developments on free movement were spotlighted as Ministers of Labour across the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) met on Tuesday, 20 January for discussions on the labour agenda across the Region.
Under the chairmanship of Honourable Keoma Griffith, Minister of Labour and Manpower Planning, Guyana, they focused on priorities such as the definition and qualification criteria for aviation personnel including expanding the professions eligible for free movement under the aviation category of the Skills Regime.
The Ministers and officials also received an update on the progress on the implementation of Full Free Movement among four Member States, which commenced on 1 October 2025 namely Barbados, Belize, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Additional items tabled included the CARICOM Labour Migration Policy Framework and Action Plan. The framework provides a clear and comprehensive guide for CARICOM Member States to manage labour migration effectively. The Policy Framework and Action Plan reflect Community priorities and previous CARICOM decisions. It is aligned with international and regional labour and migration standards and incorporates the perspectives of tripartite constituents and other key stakeholders.
Preparations for the June 2026 International Labour Conference and the ongoing work of the ILO Governing Body were also discussed.
Minister Griffith stressed that the matters under consideration are central to advancing labour governance and deepening regional integration.
The Thirty-Sixth Special Meeting of COHSOD – Labour brought together representatives from Member States, Social Partners, Associate Institutions, the CARICOM Secretariat and the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
The COHSOD reaffirms CARICOM’s collective commitment to strengthening labour governance, promoting fair recruitment, ensuring decent working conditions, and enhancing labour mobility in alignment with international standards.
Editor’s Notes:
Subject to the provisions of Article 12 of the Treaty, COHSOD shall be responsible for the promotion of human and social development in the Community. In particular, COHSOD shall promote and develop coordinated policies and programmes to improve the living and working conditions of workers and take appropriate measures to facilitate the organisation and development of harmonious labour and industrial relations in the Community.
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