KINGSTON, Jamaica – Shanique Myrie, a Jamaican woman of humble background, sued the Barbados government and apparently won several rights for all CARICOM citizens. She spoke up for equal rights and justice. It was financially costly and time consuming. Myrie's attitude and actions can be considered heroic.
Myrie was subjected to a painful and humiliating body-cavity search in unsanitary conditions in the Grantley Adams International Airport in Barbados in 2011. The six-member panel of judges noted a 2007 decision of the CARICOM heads of government to allow member states to limit the free movement of persons considered “undesirables” or likely to become “a charge on the public purse”, but made it clear that this entitlement must be construed as an exception to the right of entry.
The concept of undesirability must be concerned with the protection of public morals, the maintenance of public order and safety, and the protection of life and health. This ruling will allow for the free movement of CARICOM nationals within the region and, hopefully, better treatment.
