CASTRIES - Prime Minister of Saint Lucia and Chairman of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has welcomed the signing of the Agreement granting Associate Membership of CARICOM to French Guiana.
The Prime Minister described the signing as a significant step in strengthening regional integration and expanding cooperation across the wider Caribbean.
“This occasion represents not only a legal or institutional step, but also a meaningful act of regional inclusion,” the Prime Minister said.
French Guiana’s Associate Membership will provide opportunities for greater cooperation in areas including trade and economic development, climate resilience, security, health, education, culture, environmental protection, and people-to-people engagement.
The Prime Minister noted that the signing is particularly significant as Saint Lucia hosts the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM.
“Integration is not static. It is a living process. It grows when we create new bridges and strengthens when we expand cooperation,” the Prime Minister stated.
The Prime Minister thanked the CARICOM Secretariat, the Government of France, and His Excellency Gabriel Serville, President of the Territorial Collectivity of French Guiana for their efforts in advancing the process and welcomed French Guiana as the Community’s eighth Associate Member.