CARICOM – Caribbean Community: Regional Unity and Development

Overview

CARICOM, the Caribbean Community, is recognized as the oldest surviving integration movement in the developing world. The organization unites a total of twenty countries — fifteen Member States and five Associate Members — working together to promote regional cooperation and sustainable growth.

Member States

The grouping includes a diverse range of island and mainland nations across the Caribbean. Each Member State contributes to CARICOM’s shared goals of economic integration, coordinated foreign policy, and collective security.

Member States include:

Antigua and Barbuda
The Bahamas
Barbados
Belize
Dominica
Grenada
Guyana
Haiti
Jamaica
Montserrat
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Suriname
Trinidad and Tobago

Associate Members include:

Anguilla
Bermuda
British Virgin Islands
Cayman Islands
Turks and Caicos Islands

Mission and Purpose

CARICOM aims to strengthen economic ties, improve living standards, and deepen social and cultural connections among its members. The organization fosters cooperation in trade, health, education, and environmental sustainability, building a shared vision of prosperity.

“CARICOM stands as a symbol of unity, resilience, and collective progress for the Caribbean region.”

Historical Significance

Founded through the Treaty of Chaguaramas in 1973, CARICOM evolved from earlier cooperation frameworks, including the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA). Over decades, it has grown to represent a critical voice for Caribbean nations in global discussions on climate change, trade, and development.

Key Institutions

To fulfill its mission, CARICOM operates through several important institutions:

The CARICOM Secretariat
The Caribbean Court of Justice
The Caribbean Development Fund
Specialized commissions on climate resilience, youth development, and public health

These bodies coordinate actions and policy implementation across member countries, ensuring regional priorities are met efficiently and collaboratively.

“Integration remains at the heart of the Caribbean Community’s pursuit of sustainable development.”

Future Vision

CARICOM continues to modernize its governance structures, support digital transformation, and advocate globally for small states. Emphasizing resilience and adaptability, it seeks to strengthen both internal cooperation and external partnerships.

Author’s summary: CARICOM unites Caribbean nations through regional cooperation, fostering shared development, integration, and sustainability across member states.

CARICOM – Caribbean Community — 2025-11-30