The CARICOM Secretariat, in collaboration with the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS) and with technical support from the International Organization for Migration (IOM), recently concluded a critical workshop titled “Towards a Regional Approach to a Migration Policy in the Caribbean—Realizing A Shared Vision.” The event took place from July 8-10, 2024, in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, and saw the participation of key representatives from Guyana, including Ms. Teshanna Cox, Research Officer from the Ministry of Home Affairs, and Mr. Stephen Telford, Deputy Chief Immigration Officer.
This workshop represents a significant stride towards developing a cohesive regional policy aimed at leveraging migration as a development tool for the Caribbean Community. National Focal Points from CARICOM Member States, along with representatives from relevant regional and international organizations, gathered to contribute to this important initiative.
The discussions were informed by IOM’s Migration Governance Indicator (MGI) assessments and consultations held with national governments of CARICOM Member States in 2023 and ongoing in 2024. The workshop aimed to design a migration policy framework that accurately reflects the needs and ambitions of the Caribbean Community’s people, guided by the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration (GCM), and the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas.
At the conclusion of the workshop, a draft roadmap is expected to be completed for Member States and the Region. This document will outline key milestones for developing and implementing a robust regional migration policy based on evidence and a draft action plan to advance regional migration governance.
This initiative, funded by the US State Department and IOM, significantly contributes to achieving Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 10, which aims to reduce inequalities between nations and peoples through safe, orderly, and regular migration.
