Caribbean people are easily their hardest critics and there is no great mystery in the fact that we mercilessly beat up on our institutions, like the 50-year-old Caricom, the oldest-surviving integration movement in the developing world.

Yet, it seems fair to us to say that there have been some justification for the impatience and even apathy which have been expressed constantly about the pace at which Caricom has lumbered along over the years, often delighting to deceive.

When the regional grouping of 20 countries, comprising 15 member states and five associate states, first appeared at Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago, in August 1973, it represented the hope of the ages.

We are, in this space, let us be clear at the outset, staunch supporters of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas signed in 2002, and more broadly the regional integration movement, despite the complacency, insularity and lack of commitment that have characterised implementation of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME).

From relatively simple matters such as resistance to selling Jamaican patties in Trinidad — which we gather, thankfully, is no longer an issue — to challenges to hassle-free movement of Caricom nationals, notably the case of Jamaica’s Shanique Myrie versus Barbados, Caricom has not exactly been a shining city on a Caribbean hill.

Hoping that we can now put those sordid episodes behind us, we admit to being excited by the latest announcement that has come at the regional grouping’s 45th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government on July 6, 2023 in Trinidad.

The heads have decided that there will be free movement for all Caricom nationals by March next year, going beyond the current regime of free movement of agreed categories of skilled nationals under the CSME.

In our view, nothing that Caricom does will ever be more meaningful to Caribbean citizens than hassle-free movement across the region. Indeed, the people have not been waiting to mix and mingle, share cultures, inter-marry and generally make integration a reality.

Our excitement, mind you, is not based on ignorance. We understand our region and we know what to expect. After all, we recall that five years ago to the day of this latest announcement, Caricom heads made what was then their most far-reaching decision.

Spouses and dependents of Caricom nationals who relocate to other member states to work, provide services, and establish companies within the framework of the free movement regime, were to be entitled to benefits such as health and education services, which were not previously afforded them.

We recall that only Barbados, Haiti, Suriname, St Lucia, Grenada, and Jamaica signed the Protocol on Contingent Rights which gave effect to that decision. Its implementation, however, has not been our strong suit.

In respect of free movement for all, Barbadian Prime Minister Mia Mottley has, in her most diplomatic speak, alerted that it was easier said than done:

“Out of an abundance of caution and to be sure-footed… there has to be a minimum set of rights guaranteed for the movement of citizens that will be discussed and agreed upon, that will be captured in the amendments to the treaty, and will have to be financed,” she said.

Still, we hope.