PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC—A three-day regional workshop aimed at developing a Caribbean approach to a migration policy got underway here on Monday. Delegates were told that it is a “pivotal step” towards fostering regional cooperation and solidarity in addressing the challenges associated with migration.
Trinidad and Tobago’s National Security Minister Fitzgerald Hinds told the opening ceremony that discussions over the next 72 hours will focus on a comprehensive multi-sectoral approach to migration, which is “central to the migration governance indicators.
“I understand that these governance indicators are a capacity-building tool that provides participating countries with evidence-based policy options to strengthen the governance of migration issues.
“Trinidad and Tobago stands ready to contribute constructively to the development of a regional migration policy that reflects our collective values and aspirations and circumstances,” Hinds told the workshop, noting that he had been advised that the Migration Governance Indicators assessment for Trinidad and Tobago has now been completed. He was looking forward to receiving and reviewing the results. Watch video
Hinds, who spoke of the several initiatives undertaken by the government here to assist migrants, particularly those from Venezuela, said that Port of Spain is committed to working with the Guyana-based Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, the International Organization for Migration (IOM), all the United Nations agencies, and CARICOM member states on the issue of migration.
“As we embark on this journey together, let us harness the expertise, insights, and experiences that we already have as we gather here today to shape the policy framework in front of us.”
He said that those should respond to not only the current migration realities but also prepare us for future challenges.
“Let us re-affirm our commitment to a CARICOM that stands united in its approach to migration, recognizing the transformative potential while safeguarding the rights and dignity of the individual.
‘Together, let us chart a path forward that promotes regional integration and enhances the safety and security of all the citizens of the region .and, of course, our visitors,” Hinds said, noting that in the context of regional integration, I am very proud to say as a citizen of the region…will take the opportunity to congratulate the leaders of the region…for the tactical implementation of this regional integration”.
Hinds said it would nonetheless require work, noting, “We could formulate the policy, and we can do all these wonderful things, but behind that….there is the need for work.
‘We all have to work, so at the end of this conference, it is hoped that all of us as professionals…will lead the way …because we know if we do the work, we can be prepared for all the challenges reasonably anticipated.
The workshop, which is being held under the theme “Towards a Regional Approach to a Migration Policy in the Caribbean—Realizing A Shared Vision,” is being organized by the CARICOM Secretariat and the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), with technical support from the IOM.
The US State Department and IOM are funding it, and it contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SGD) 10, which aims to reduce inequalities between nations and peoples through safe, orderly, and regular migration.
The CARICOM Secretariat said this initiative marks a significant stride in developing a standard regional policy to strategically leverage migration as a development tool for the Caribbean Community. It said the workshop brings together National Focal Points from the CARICOM member states and representatives of relevant regional and international organizations.
It builds on the IOM’s Migration Governance Indicator (MGI) assessments and other consultations held with CARICOM’s national governments in 2023 and ongoing in 2024.
The Secretariat said that participants would work to design a migration policy framework that accurately reflects the needs and ambitions of the people of the Caribbean community. It added that the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM), and the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas will also guide deliberations.
In her address to the ceremony, Alison Drayton, Assistant Secretary-General, Human and Social Development, CARICOM Secretariat, said, “It is very evident that the region has been facing and will continue to face various challenges that affect all of the lives of our citizens.
“Coming from climate change, the last week has been an unwelcoming reminder of the challenges, but it compels us to rush on elaborating the (migration) framework.
“I wish to reiterate the Community’s commitment to work with all present and those yet to come on board to implement a forward-thinking regional migration that would help address various aspects of regional migration and human mobility as determined by your priorities as member states,” she added. Watch video
IOM’s Coordinator for the Caribbean, Patrice Quesada, said she is pleased that the organization’s work adds value to the process.
“The MGIs were conducted in close collaboration with Member States; public servants in different government areas fed all relevant information into the assessments, providing data on national policies and practices concerning migration and identifying the priority areas for improvement.
“One of the things we found through the 12 assessments conducted in the Caribbean is that education and primary health care are already available for non-nationals in most countries. On the other hand, the MGIs highlighted the need to strengthen the policy approaches to labor migration to ensure that migration is used to strategically fill gaps in the labor market, without disadvantaging the citizens of the receiving member state.”
The CARICOM Secretariat said it is expected that at the end of the workshop, there will be a completed draft roadmap for member states, and the document would include critical milestones for developing and implementing a solid regional migration policy based on evidence and a draft action plan to advance migration governance in the region.
Download video – National Security Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Fitzgerald Hinds
Download video – Alison Drayton, Assistant Secretary-General, Human and Social Development, CARICOM Secretariat
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