UDP Slams Government Over Free Movement Rollout

The Opposition United Democratic Party (UDP) has sharply criticized the Government’s handling of the October 1 launch of full Free Movement of CARICOM nationals among Belize, Barbados, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines, arguing that Belizeans were left uninformed about the implications of the policy.

At the UDP press conference yesterday, Hon. Patrick Faber contended that while Barbados’ government held detailed press briefings to explain preparations, Belizeans received no comparable information. He said ordinary citizens and employers remain in the dark about what the new policy means in practice. “If you go in the churches, the market, or the business places and ask the employers what is the full-scale effect of Belize signing on to this, and it coming into effect on October 1st, they will tell you that they don’t know. And that is to be put squarely on the shoulders of the Government of Belize,” he stated.

According to the official government release, the free movement arrangements allow indefinite stay upon entry for nationals of the four countries, with registration systems for access to services such as healthcare and education. Safeguards include vetting by the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) and the Advanced Passenger Information System (APIS) to deny entry to those posing security or health threats. A CARICOM complaints mechanism is also in place, with forms available at ports of entry and reviews to be completed within two weeks.

While the Government emphasized “extensive preparations” to ensure a secure rollout, Faber argued that Belize is ill-prepared to absorb additional pressures. He linked the issue to other national challenges raised by his UDP colleagues at the press conference, including crime, healthcare deficiencies, and economic strain, asserting that the administration has not demonstrated readiness to address Belizeans’ own pressing needs, much less the influx of regional migrants.

The UDP warned that without clear communication, consultation, and safeguards, the move risks fueling uncertainty among Belizeans. The party said it supports regional integration in principle but insisted that the rollout of free movement must be accompanied by a national plan, robust information-sharing, and policies that protect both citizens and the economy.