Skilled labourers from CARICOM welcome under CSME, says P.M., but Belize will not be a jump-off point for illegal migration

Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2025. 8:08 pm CST.

By Aaron Humes: Belize is one of four countries that agreed at the 49^th summit of heads of government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to, over the next three years, welcome more eligible skilled labourers from CARICOM countries under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). CARICOM Heads agreed to expand the categories of workers eligible for free movement within the region.

But Prime Minister and Minister of Immigration and Nationality John Briceño distinguished such movement from the deceptive and illegal migratory practices seen among Jamaicans in particular, some of whom obtain passage to Belize and then vanish as they attempt to enter Mexico and ultimately the United States. Unfair though it is, he told reporters today, Washington holds Belmopan responsible for that: “We have seen a number of Jamaicans who have every right to come and visit Belize – every single right, and they can stay in Belize if they wish as CARICOM nationals – but unfortunately many of them come to Belize and they disappear, and then in many instances when you find out they are across in the United States or they are arrested. So, we have to protect our interests and do everything possible to discourage that kind of illegal migration, to the United States.”

As for the CSME agreement, the kinks still need to be worked out, but the Prime Minister says there is a need for skilled middle management and similar workers, as called out by the private sector, with no offense to Belizeans with those skills. Belizeans need not fear a “flood” of such laborers as was the case when the door was opened for attorneys and the like, but opening that door will help the Belizean economy and maintain national economic growth.

A Government of Belize statement noted that “[Fewer] than four hundred non-Belizean CARICOM nationals are working in Belize as skilled labourers.”

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The post Skilled labourers from CARICOM welcome under CSME, says P.M., but Belize will not be a jump-off point for illegal migration appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.

Posted: Thursday, July 10, 2025. 8:08 pm CST. By Aaron Humes: Belize is one of four countries that agreed at the 49th summit of heads of
The post Skilled labourers from CARICOM welcome under CSME, says P.M., but Belize will not be a jump-off point for illegal migration appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.