WILLEMSTAD - Prime Minister Mr. Gilmar Pisas has received official confirmation from CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett regarding Curaçao's successful bid for associate membership in CARICOM. The decision was reached by CARICOM on June 4, 2024, as communicated in a letter dated June 6, 2024. 

Following extensive negotiations between the Curaçao delegation and the CARICOM secretariat on the accession treaty, the Government Heads of CARICOM unanimously approved Curaçao's application for associate membership. This pivotal decision signals Curaçao's deepening integration into the Caribbean community. 

Prime Minister Mr. Gilmar Pisas has been invited to formally sign the accession treaty alongside the CARICOM President in Grenada on July 3rd, marking a significant milestone for Curaçao's diplomatic relations within the region. 

As Curaçao progresses towards formalizing its CARICOM membership, legal procedures within the Kingdom of the Netherlands are being finalized. The Kingdom Government is set to endorse the draft treaty that Prime Minister Pisas will sign during the upcoming ceremony in Grenada. 

Once formalized, Curaçao will join CARICOM as its sixth associate member, alongside the existing 15 member states and 5 associate members. This achievement underscores Curaçao's commitment to actively contribute to the development of the Caribbean community. 

Associate membership in CARICOM will afford Curaçao various benefits, including participation in collaborative efforts and regional integration initiatives across diverse sectors. These encompass economic activities, regional security measures, environmental projects, and socio-cultural development endeavors. 

Curaçao's strategic positioning within the Kingdom of the Netherlands, coupled with its existing ties with the European Union and Mercosur, further enhances its role in shaping the future of the Caribbean region. This historic development marks a significant step forward in Curaçao's journey towards regional cooperation and prosperity.