ECNETNews, NEW YORK, NY, Fri. Feb. 21, 2025: CARICOM, the Caribbean Community, is set to expand its membership to 22.
During the 48th CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting held in Barbados, Martinique officially signed an agreement to become an associate member, joining the ranks of Bermuda, Turks & Caicos, Curacao, Anguilla, the Cayman Islands, and the British Virgin Islands. The agreement was executed by the Prime Minister of Barbados, who serves as the CARICOM Chair, and the President of the Territorial Collectivity of Martinique.
This significant development bolsters Martinique’s efforts towards regional integration, enhancing collaboration in essential sectors such as healthcare, education, trade, and disaster management. Although final ratification by the French National Assembly is still awaited, Martinique’s new status as an associate member positions it as a crucial link between the Caribbean and Europe, expanding avenues for economic and cultural partnerships.
Martinique’s integration into CARICOM represents an exceptional opportunity to strengthen connections between the French territory, an integral part of the European Union, and the 21 CARICOM countries and territories, which collectively represent a population of approximately 18 million. With its associate member status, Martinique aims to launch joint initiatives across vital economic sectors, including healthcare, education, transport, and disaster risk management, thus enhancing its role as a strategic conduit between the Caribbean and Europe.
This accession signifies a pivotal step in Martinique’s overarching ambition for regional integration. Previously, the French territory has secured Associate Member status with the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean in 2012, the Association of Caribbean States in 2014, and the Organization of Eastern Caribbean States in 2015.
Martinique’s new partnership with CARICOM is poised to deliver several notable advantages for the region:
- Economic development: Improved access to Caribbean and European markets, diversifying business opportunities.
- Enhanced cooperation: Strengthened collaboration in vital areas such as healthcare, education, security, and crisis management.
- Mobility and employment: Increased professional and academic exchange opportunities for Caribbean professionals and students.
- Tourism, sports, and culture: Enhanced exchanges with neighboring territories to promote Caribbean culture, sports, and regional tourism.
Through this accession, Martinique reaffirms its strong Caribbean identity and commitment to driving development and innovation within CARICOM.
