Curaçao joins CARICOM as an Associate Member

Curaçao received a warm welcome into the Caribbean community (CARICOM) as it was officially admitted as the sixth Associate Member of regional organization.

CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett expressed her anticipation for Curaçao’s active participation as the newest member of the CARICOM family.

The Prime Minister of Curaçao, Gilmar Pisas emphasized that Curaçao’s dedication stems from its Caribbean cultural identity, deeply rooted in the region’s rich historical heritage. He stated that Curaçao intends to demonstrate a strong commitment to CARICOM and the shared aspirations of its members.

“By joining CARICOM, we affirm our dedication to collaborate in the interest of the shared values and aspirations that unite us as small island developing states in the Caribbean region. We bring to CARICOM a unique mix of cultural traditions, economic strengths, and social perspectives that we hope will enrich the community as a whole.”

Prime Minister Pisas highlighted that economic integration is central to CARICOM’s mission. He noted that Curaçao’s strategic location, ports, and well-developed physical and professional services could serve as a hub for regional trade. By investing in connectivity and logistics, Curaçao aims to streamline the movement of goods and services across the Caribbean, enhancing economic activity among member nations and creating jobs. “By working together, we can build a more competitive and resilient regional economy,” he said.

To demonstrate Curaçao’s commitment to regional trade, the Prime Minister announced that the country has already initiated negotiations with the Dominican Republic and Trinidad & Tobago and is about to do so with Suriname. These negotiations aim to result in mutually beneficial trade agreements with these Member States. Once finalized, these agreements will come into effect after Curaçao’s membership in the World Trade Organization is established.

Curaçao also pledged to support CARICOM initiatives that offer potential for collaboration in areas such as renewable energy, innovative agriculture, digital technology and telecommunications, human capital development, climate resilience, and sustainable development.

The other five Associate Members of CARICOM are Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, and the Turks & Caicos.

Member States gathered in Grenada over the weekend for the 47th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community, where Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell assumed the role of CARICOM Chairman from the outgoing Chairman, President Irfaan Ali.