GEORGETOWN - Martinique and Curaçao are poised to become the newest members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
Roosevelt Skerrit, the Chairman of CARICOM and Prime Minister of Dominica, announced during the conclusion of the 45th Heads of Government Conference in Port of Spain, Trinidad, that a mandate has been given to finalize all pending negotiations by the end of August for subsequent ratification.
In a special ceremony to be held in Guyana, Martinique and Curaçao will officially join CARICOM as Associate Members, alongside Anguilla, Turks and Caicos Islands, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands, and Bermuda.
As Associate Members, Martinique and Curaçao will be granted the opportunity to attend Heads of Government meetings and participate in the discussions of CARICOM bodies in which they are involved.
According to the CARICOM website, Associate Members are eligible for membership in all CARICOM institutions, except the Council of Foreign and Community Relations.
When questioned about the possibility of approaching Cuba and the Dominican Republic to join the integration movement, Skerrit stated, "There were no formal discussions regarding the Dominican Republic and Cuba, but we believe that in due course, they may very well become members of CARICOM."
Skerrit acknowledged that over a decade ago, discussions with the Dominican Republic were initiated but were subsequently suspended.
He further noted that there is a growing interest in CARICOM, and given the evolving global landscape, it is plausible that the Dominican Republic may become the 23rd member of CARICOM.