WILLEMSTAD – The course “CARICOM and Cooperation with the European Union” attracted remarkable interest last week in both Curaçao and Sint Maarten. On Sint Maarten, all 25 available seats were sold out immediately, while in Curaçao the registration had to be closed after reaching 125 participants.
The course offered an introduction to the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), founded in 1973, and its ties with the European Union. Topics included the relationship with ACP countries (Africa, Caribbean, and Pacific States), the European Development Fund, and trade agreements.
Experienced Faculty
The lectures were delivered by five academic experts: Prof. Dr. Flora Goudappel (University of Curaçao), Dr. Jacintha Asarfi (University of Curaçao), Naresh Algoe (National Assembly of Suriname), and Dr. Germaine Rekwest, director of Europe Direct Curaçao.
Curaçao’s Status within CARICOM
Although Curaçao is not a full member of CARICOM, it participates as an associate member. This status is tied to the island’s constitutional position within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, since only sovereign states may join as full members.
Through this associate membership, Curaçao takes part in a wide range of programs and consultations on trade, public health, education, and disaster response. While the island does not have a decisive vote in policymaking, it does benefit from access to Caribbean markets, cooperation through regional institutions such as the Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA), and participation in joint diplomatic positions on global issues like climate change and migration. For Curaçao, CARICOM provides a stronger collective voice on the international stage.
Academic Follow-Up
The University of Curaçao has announced that it will soon offer a master’s-level course on CARICOM and its cooperation with the EU for students seeking to explore the subject in greater depth.
The high demand for last week’s course underscores the growing interest in understanding regional integration and the island’s role in both Caribbean and European frameworks.
