Collaborating for safe orderly and managed migration was discussed when Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Kerrie Symmonds, met with the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Coordination Officer for the Caribbean and Chief of Mission, Patrice Quesada.
Minister Symmonds recently welcomed Mr. Quesada to the Ministry, at Culloden Road, St. Michael, and expressed that Government looks forward to working with his office to create a holistic migration policy that benefits all.
Mr. Quesada noted that the new office will enable the organisation to support national migration related initiatives in Barbados, and regional initiatives to benefit the English and Dutch speaking Caribbean.
The two officials conversed widely on migration, including the situation in Haiti; the economics of migration; protocol border management; developmental compact; and CARICOM’s plan to enact a Free Movement for All CARICOM nationals’ arrangement next year.
On August 25, Barbados and the IOM signed an agreement establishing an IOM national office here, which will also serve as the Coordination Office for the Caribbean.
Barbados became a member of IOM on November 30, 2022.