Key Highlights

CARICOM, which stands for the Caribbean Community, is a regional organization that promotes economic integration, cooperation, and collaboration among countries in the Caribbean region. It was established to address common challenges, enhance economic growth and development, and strengthen political and diplomatic relations among its member states. Here are some key details about CARICOM:

1. Formation and Establishment:

• CARICOM was founded on July 4, 1973, with the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas in Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago. This treaty serves as the foundational document for the organization.

2. Member States:

As on September 2023, CARICOM has 15 full member states. These member states are located in the Caribbean region and include:

• • Antigua and Barbuda

  • The Bahamas

  • Barbados

  • Belize

  • Dominica

  • Grenada

  • Guyana

  • Haiti

  • Jamaica

  • Montserrat (a British Overseas Territory)

  • Saint Kitts and Nevis

  • Saint Lucia

  • Saint Vincent and the Grenadines

  • Suriname

  • Trinidad and Tobago

3. Observers and Associate Members:

In addition to full member states, CARICOM has several observer members and associate members. These include countries and organizations that have varying levels of engagement with the community.

4. Objectives:

Some of the objectives of CARICOM are:

• • Promoting economic integration and cooperation among member states.

  • Advancing the sustainable development of member countries.

  • Enhancing the region's economic resilience.

  • Strengthening political and diplomatic relations.

  • Collaborating on issues such as climate change, disaster management, and security.

5. Governance Structure:

• CARICOM has a governance structure that includes the CARICOM Secretariat, the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED), and the Conference of Heads of Government.

• The CARICOM Secretariat, headquartered in Georgetown, Guyana, serves as the administrative arm of the organization and implements its policies and decisions.

• The Conference of Heads of Government consists of the heads of state or government of member countries and is the highest decision-making body in CARICOM.

• COTED is responsible for trade and economic matters and plays a crucial role in advancing the community's economic integration goals.

6. Achievements and Challenges:

• CARICOM has made significant strides in regional cooperation, particularly in areas such as trade agreements, disaster management, and climate change resilience.

• However, the organization also faces challenges, including economic disparities among member states, susceptibility to natural disasters, and the impact of global economic fluctuations on the region's economies.

7. Economic Integration:

CARICOM has been involved in various efforts to foster economic integration among its member states. One notable initiative is the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), which aims to create a single market for goods, services, labor, and capital within the region.

8. International Engagement:

CARICOM engages with other regional and international organizations and has a history of cooperation with entities like the United Nations and the Organization of American States (OAS).