WILLEMSTAD – The Government of Curaçao intends to establish a dedicated operational unit for CARICOM affairs and appoint personnel to coordinate the island's participation in the Caribbean Community.
The plans are outlined in an explanatory memorandum accompanying the treaty governing Curaçao's associate membership in CARICOM.
According to the document, the government is working toward an administrative structure that will allow Curaçao to participate effectively in regional discussions, programs and specialized institutions.
The proposed arrangements include the creation of an operational unit, the appointment of local employees and representatives, and the development of a strategic cooperation plan.
Permanent Coordination Needed
The memorandum explains that participation in CARICOM involves more than attending regional meetings.
Curaçao will have opportunities to engage with specialized institutions responsible for public health, disaster management, digital development, judicial cooperation and economic affairs.
To make use of those opportunities, government departments will need to coordinate their activities and maintain regular contact with CARICOM institutions.
The proposed operational unit is intended to support that coordination.
Local personnel and designated representatives would handle day-to-day interaction with CARICOM organizations, while the strategic plan would identify the areas in which Curaçao intends to concentrate its participation.
The memorandum does not specify which ministry will supervise the unit, how many employees will be appointed or when the new structure will become operational.
It also does not provide a budget for establishing and maintaining the proposed administrative arrangements.
Regional Cooperation as Government Policy
Curaçao's participation in CARICOM forms part of the government's broader regionalization policy.
The explanatory memorandum refers to the 2025–2029 government program, which identifies strengthening Curaçao's regional and international position as a foreign relations priority.
The government considers closer cooperation with Caribbean countries important for protecting Curaçao's economic, social, cultural and educational interests.
Associate membership allows Curaçao to participate in most CARICOM deliberations without voting rights.
It also provides access to technical cooperation mechanisms and specialized institutions.
However, the practical value of these opportunities will depend partly on the government's ability to coordinate participation and follow up on decisions and projects.
The planned CARICOM unit is therefore expected to play a central role in translating the membership agreement into concrete cooperation.
For now, the explanatory memorandum establishes the government's intentions but does not confirm that the unit has been established or that personnel have already been recruited.