By: Antonio Dey | HGP Nightly News|
Barbados Opposition Leader Questions Absence of Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad from Free Movement Pact
Leader of the Opposition in Barbados, Ralph Thorne, has questioned the exclusion of Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago from Barbados’ recently announced free movement regime under the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
Earlier this month, Prime Minister Mia Mottley announced that Barbados would fully implement free movement of nationals in partnership with St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Belize, and Dominica, allowing citizens to live and work indefinitely without work permits.
Thorne told Parliament that the government owes citizens an explanation, noting that any genuine CSME conversation must include Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad — the region’s major economies — if the initiative is to be credible and effective.
Jamaica – U.S. $100,000 Visa Fee Sparks Concern
In Jamaica, immigration lawyer Dale Blair has warned that the Trump administration’s new US$100,000 application fee for H-1B visas could discourage skilled Caribbean professionals from migrating to the United States.
He noted that competing nations such as Canada and China are stepping up efforts to attract global talent, particularly in STEM fields (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics).
China recently launched the “K Visa” — a new visa category aimed at drawing international experts to help advance its technology sector. Details on its cost and application process are expected soon.
International – Israel Threatens to Resume Fighting in Gaza
Israel has threatened to resume military operations in Gaza, after Hamas stated it could not return additional remains of Israeli hostages without specialized recovery equipment to access bodies trapped under rubble.
This announcement came after Hamas returned the remains of two more deceased hostages, bringing the total to nine, along with one body not yet identified.
Israel’s Defense Minister said the country would not tolerate delays, while officials also announced that the reopening of the Rafah crossing between Gaza and Egypt — crucial for humanitarian aid — has been postponed.
Future aid deliveries, Israeli sources warned, may face restrictions, though limited individual crossings could still be permitted.
