By Belize Live News Staff: Curaçao has officially become the sixth Associate Member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), marking a significant step towards greater regional integration and cooperation.
The signing ceremony took place on Sunday, July 28th, during the opening of the 47th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government in Grenada. Prime Minister of Curaçao, His Excellency Gilmar Simon Pisas, and CARICOM Chairman, the Hon. Dickon Mitchell of Grenada, formalized the agreement.
Prime Minister Pisas expressed Curaçao’s commitment to strengthening the Caribbean Community, highlighting the country’s unique cultural heritage, economic strengths, and social perspectives. He emphasized the potential for leveraging Curaçao’s strategic location, natural ports, and well-developed infrastructure to enhance regional trade and economic activity.
“By working together, we can create a more competitive and resilient regional economy,” Prime Minister Pisas stated, underscoring the importance of investments in connectivity and logistics.
Additionally, Prime Minister Pisas highlighted Curaçao’s intention to contribute to various areas of regional development, including renewable energy, agriculture, digital technology, human capital development, climate resilience, and sustainable development.
The Prime Minister also emphasized Curaçao’s access to the “experience, resources, and the vast international network of the Kingdom of the Netherlands,” which can be leveraged to benefit all CARICOM Member States and Associate Members. This includes navigating geopolitical complexities and optimizing collective strengths and economic connections.
CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr. Carla Barnett, welcomed Curaçao into the CARICOM family and expressed anticipation for the country’s active engagement in regional affairs.
The addition of Curaçao to CARICOM further solidifies the organization’s growing impact and stature, demonstrating its appeal to countries seeking deeper integration within the Caribbean region.
With fifteen Member States and six Associate Members, CARICOM continues to foster cooperation and collaboration among Caribbean nations, addressing shared challenges and opportunities for sustainable development.
