The UWI presents Vice-Chancellor’s Forum on Free Movement in the Caribbean

On October 21, The University of the West Indies (The UWI) will tackle one of the Caribbean’s most pressing issues in an upcoming Vice-Chancellor’s Forum. Titled “Promises, Passports, and Possibilities: Free Movement, the CSME, and the Caribbean Regionalisation Project,” it aims to explore the long-standing aspirations of the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) for seamless mobility among Caribbean nationals.

The Forum which will be accessible globally through UWItv, occurs against the backdrop of heightened discussions surrounding the free movement of CARICOM nationals. While Articles 45 and 46 of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC) were designed to facilitate the unrestricted movement of Caribbean citizens for leisure and employment, the promise of hassle-free travel remains largely unfulfilled. Current challenges, such as immigration checks that contradict the vision of a unified Caribbean, highlight the urgent need for renewed dialogue.

The discussions will explore proposals to amend the RTC and the 2025 Protocol of Enhanced Cooperation, aiming for deeper regional integration. With countries like Barbados, Belize, Dominica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines actively pursuing the goals of the CSME, this Forum is crucial for highlighting opportunities for transforming promises into reality.

As the Caribbean’s leading educational institution, The UWI is taking a pivotal role in advancing discussion of this critical issue. The Forum will provide a platform for scholars, policymakers, and industry experts to engage in constructive dialogue, assess progress, and identify the ongoing challenges in achieving free movement. Chaired by Professor Canute Thompson, Pro Vice-Chancellor for Undergraduate Studies, and featuring remarks from UWI Vice-Chancellor Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, the event creates a rich environment for diverse perspectives.

Among those perspectives will be those of Dr. the Honourable Ralph Gonsalves, the Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Dr. the Honourable Justice Anthony Gafoor, the Chairman of the Tax Appeal Board of Trinidad and Tobago, Dr. Indira Rampersad, the Head of the Political Science Department at The UWI St. Augustine Campus, Ambassador Anthony Hylton, a Trade Policy Expert and Attorney-at-Law, and Dr. Delroy Beckford, an International Trade and Competition Lawyer, and Adjunct Lecturer at The UWI Mona Campus. 

UWItv will broadcast the Forum live, allowing voices from outside the University to contribute to this important discussion. Tune in at www.uwitvglobal and www.facebook.com/uwitv to watch the expert discussions and actively participate in a question-and-answer session, share ideas and explore innovative solutions.