The Barbados government says it does not intend to abandon plans to introduce a comprehensive immigration strategy on the heels of a public option survey that shows widespread support for its recent stance on the matter.
"We have embarked upon the development of a comprehensive immigration policy which will be introduced shortly. There will be no turning back on this issue," Prime Minister David Thompson told delegates attending the annual Democratic Labour Party (DLP) conference on Sunday. Thompson's comments came a day after the latest public opinion poll said 70 per cent of Barbadians supported his recent stance on immigration, with more than half of those surveyed also giving the nod of approval to the government's decision to offer a six-month amnesty for Caribbean Community (Caricom) nationals living here illegally to regularise their status or face deportation. "I am not surprised that Barbadians overwhelmingly support the government's stance...those who prefer to wear blinkers confined their view and perspective of this matter to the issue of our embracing free movement of Caricom nationals.
"There is much more than our embrace of the principle of an integrated Caribbean and I am inspired by the fact that close to 70 per cent of Barbadians understands this," the Prime Minister said. The poll, conducted by Caribbean Development Research Services (CADRES) and commissioned by the DLP, found that only 14 per cent did not support the Prime Minister's stance on immigration. Regarding the amnesty, which expires at the end of November, 53 per cent of persons were in support compared to 30 per cent who said they did not approve of the measure. "I have said repeatedly that we have to set and maintain standards in relation to the quality of life that we wish for ourselves and for all persons calling Barbados home," Thompson said.
"I want to say here and now that as Prime Minister of this country I have had as much as I am willing to take as far as the unfair and unwarranted maligning of Barbados and Barbadians by those whom we have extended a welcoming hand is concerned...I am saying today 'enough is enough,'" he added. The immigration issue was a major agenda item at last month's Caricom summit within the context of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME) that allows for the free movement of labour, goods, and skills across the region. At their end of their summit, the regional leaders said that "the schedule of free movement of persons within the Single Market would be reviewed at the CSME Convocation to be convened in October, with a view to advising on the timetable for full free movement." They also agreed on the importance of training and sensitising Immigration Officers on the implementation of the region's approach to free movement and hassle-free travel. (CMC)