BRIDGETOWN, Barbados, CMC – A veteran immigration official Wednesday denied that Barbados had been treating Caribbean Community (CARICOM) nationals harshly in contravention of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME) that allows for the free movement of people across the region.
Senior Immigration Officer Merlo Reid told the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ) that passengers entering Barbados have to satisfy immigration requirements which include the possession of a return ticket, adequate funds and reasonable accommodation.
Reid, who has more than 30 years experience in the Immigration Department, said that CARICOM nationals are granted a three or six month stay on the island once they qualify and that skilled regional nationals enjoy preferential treatment.