Fewer than 1 000 people have taken advantage of CARICOM’s enhanced free movement regime involving Barbados and three other member states since its introduction, with most choosing Barbados, Prime Minister Mia Mottley said late Wednesday, pushing back against earlier fears that the policy would trigger “open floodgates” of cross-border migration.

As CARICOM leaders wrapped up their 51st summit in Saint Lucia, Mottley said the early uptake had been modest and reflected Barbados’ need to address persistent labour and skills shortages. She also indicated that two more member states are likely to join the initiative.

“It has been a good experience so far,” she said. “The numbers show that there are less than 1 000 people who have used it so far, and that’s why we said this is not going to open floodgates.