CARICOM welcomes Curacao as new associate member

The Dutch Caribbean Island of Curacao became the newest and the sixth Associate member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Their membership was announced during the opening ceremony of the 47th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government.

The Secretary-General of CARICOM, Carla Barnett extended welcome to Curacao and stated that they are optimistic about the participation and active engagement of Curacao as the newest member of the CARICOM family.

Following their announcement as the sixth member of the Caribbean community, the Prime Minister of Curacao, Glimar Pisas addressed everyone and promised to contribute to regional trade, climate resilience and sustainable development of the Caribbean nations.

He also focused on the commitment of the island towards regional integration and cooperation and stated that Curacao will continue to work together and unitedly with other CARICOM members with a vision to achieve common goals and aspirations.

The Prime Minister also asserted that by joining CARICOM, they affirm their commitment towards working together in the interest of the collective values and aspirations that bind all of us as small island developing states in the Caribbean region.

Curacao also emphasised his commitment towards regional trade and stated that they are already in negotiations with the Dominican Republic and Trinidad and Tobago and is planning to engage with Suriname. The Prime Minister added that with these negotiations they will aim to establish a mutually beneficial trade agreements with member states.

The Prime Minister Pisas promised and shed light on their commitment towards supporting crucial initiatives within CARICOM. Those initiatives include, Renewable energy, new forms of agriculture, digital technology and telecommunications, Human Capital development, Climate Resilience and sustainable development.

As the newest associate member, Curacao is expected to promote greater collaboration in trade, tourism, education and climate resilience. The Prime Minister assured to bring a unique blend of cultural traditions, economic strength, social perspective that will enrich the CARICOM community as a whole.

The other five members of CARICOM are Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands.