- Acronym: CARICOM
- Type: Regional Intergovernmental Organization
- Membership: 15 member states, 5 associate members
- Establishment: Established on 4 July 1973
- Official Language(s): English
- Headquarters: Georgetown, Guyana
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is a regional organization that encompasses a group of Caribbean nations and territories, aiming to promote economic integration and cooperation among its members, ensure that the benefits of integration are equitably shared, and coordinate foreign policy. CARICOM is dedicated to improving standards of living and work, full employment of labor, and other factors of production, accelerated, coordinated, and sustained economic development and convergence.
Caribbean Community History
CARICOM was formed on 4 July 1973 by the Treaty of Chaguaramas. It was the result of a 15-year effort to achieve a federation of the British West Indies. The original four signatories of the treaty were Barbados, Jamaica, Guyana, and Trinidad and Tobago. CARICOM replaced the 1965-1972 Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA), aiming to go beyond economic cooperation to promote coordination in foreign policy and other areas of common interest.
Caribbean Community Structure
CARICOM’s structure is composed of several principal organs:
- The Conference of Heads of Government: Serves as the supreme organ and determines the policy direction of CARICOM.
- The Council of Ministers: Responsible for formulating policies on community matters and overseeing the functioning and development of the community.
- The Secretariat: The principal administrative organ, responsible for implementing the community’s policies and programs.
- Various other organs and bodies focus on specific areas such as legal affairs, health, education, and trade.
Caribbean Community Membership
Membership in CARICOM is primarily for Caribbean territories and states. The community comprises 15 full members and 5 associate members, all working collectively towards the integration and development of the Caribbean region.
Caribbean Community Objectives
Economic Integration
CARICOM aims to enhance economic integration among its member states by creating a single market and economy, improving standards of living, and working towards the sustained economic development of the region.
Foreign Policy Coordination
A key objective is to coordinate the foreign policies of the member states, ensuring that the region has a unified and strong presence in the international arena.
Human and Social Development
CARICOM is committed to improving the quality of life of the people in the region by promoting human and social development, focusing on health, education, and social security.
Caribbean Community Funding
The funding of CARICOM primarily comes from contributions made by its member states, based on a quota system. Additionally, the community receives financial assistance from international donor agencies for specific projects and initiatives.
Caribbean Community Projects
CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME)
The CSME aims to create a single economic space among the member states, facilitating the free movement of goods, services, people, and capital, and promoting economic integration and development.
Human Resource Development
CARICOM undertakes various initiatives aimed at improving education and training in the region, ensuring that the labor force is skilled, and capable of supporting the region’s economic development.
Climate Change Adaptation and Environmental Protection
The community is actively involved in projects focused on environmental protection and sustainability, aiming to mitigate the impacts of climate change and protect the region’s unique biodiversity.
Caribbean Community Members
Full Members
- 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
Associate Members
CARICOM remains a pivotal organization in the Caribbean, promoting integration, cooperation, and sustainable development among its member states. With a focus on enhancing the well-being of its peoples, coordinating foreign policy, and fostering economic growth, CARICOM continues to be a central player in shaping the future of the Caribbean region.
