With many persons opting to leave the region for better working conditions, higher salaries, better job security and even a better mental state of mind, the migration of health workers from the Caribbean and in most countries in the OECS, is critical. The migration and shortages of health care workers in the Region are impacting on health systems and services.
In January 2016, representatives of 8 Caribbean Governments attended to a meeting that led to the establishment of the CMC. Delegates stressed that “coordinated policies were required at a regional level to ensure consistent approaches to common problems and that a regional dialogue on these issues was not only desired but essential".
Migration represents an opportunity to empower women and boost their autonomy. Their individual conditions or situations will shape their lives in the countries of origin, transit and destination and determine the nature of the migration process.