On 15 June, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) hosted a Fun Walk with 215 participants to celebrate the right of OECS citizens to move freely within the seven Protocol States[1]. The successful 5.4 km walk took place in Arnos Vale, in Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, and was part of a series of events commemorating the 44th Anniversary of the Eastern Caribbean Union.

During the walk, participants learned about their rights under the OECS free movement regime, like travelling with a national ID, living and working in another OECS country without a work permit, and accessing public services like healthcare, education, and social assistance.  Attendees also learned that family members who move enjoy many of the same rights and services.

Camille Crichton, Managing Director of a professional secretarial and consultancy firm in Saint Vincent & the Grenadines, has faced challenges in hiring people from the region. She joined the event and shared her experience: “I did not know you did not need a Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) certificate to work and travel within the OECS.  And I believe a lot of people also do not.  So maybe it’s a start promoting the information that you [AM1] shared today.”

The OECS promotes regional integration among its members, fostering resilience and unity. The Fun Walk celebrated the commitment of the Eastern Caribbean States to dignity, opportunity, and inclusion, core values embodied by the OECS Free Movement Regime. Promoting access to regular pathways within the region also helps reduce the risks of irregular migration to destinations beyond the Caribbean.

IOM’s support for the Fun Walk underscores its commitment to promoting the rights and responsibilities of migrants and ensuring that mobility contributes to the growth and well-being of communities.  In the words of Communications Officer for IOM Caribbean, Maxine Alleyne-Esprit:  “We look forward to continuing promoting regular pathways for migration within the OECS countries.  Migration has the potential to benefit both migrants and the societies that receive them and the OECS is a great example of managing migration for the benefit of the citizens of the OECS and also for strengthening the social and economic fabric of the countries that are part of the Union.”  

After the success in Saint Vincent, the OECS and IOM will continue to promote the benefits of OECS Free Movement through more public information activities, including a townhall meeting in Dominica in July. 

For more information about IOM Caribbean’s initiatives and upcoming events, please visit our website or contact  malleyne@iom.int .