The Caribbean Community (CARICOM or CC) is an intergovernmental organization comprising 15 member states and seven associate members across the Americas, the Caribbean, and the Atlantic Ocean. CARICOM was established to promote economic integration, cooperation, and the equitable sharing of benefits among its members. It also plays a key role in coordinating foreign policy.
Founding and Governance
- Founded: August 1, 1973, via the Treaty of Chaguaramas in Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago
- Type: Supranational union
- Government Structure: Intergovernmental
- Seat of Secretariat: Georgetown, Guyana
- Largest City: Port-au-Prince, Haiti
- Current Secretary-General: Carla Barnett
- Chairwoman: Mia Mottley
Member Countries
Antigua and Barbuda
A twin-island nation known for its tourism industry and vibrant culture. It has a strong maritime economy and is a hub for financial services in the Caribbean.
The Bahamas
An archipelago famous for its stunning beaches and offshore banking industry. Tourism and financial services are the backbone of its economy.
Barbados
A well-developed island nation with a high standard of living. It has a strong economy based on tourism, finance, and light manufacturing.
Belize
The only Central American country in CARICOM, Belize boasts rich biodiversity and a mix of Caribbean and Latin American influences. Tourism and agriculture drive its economy.
Dominica
Known as the “Nature Island of the Caribbean,” Dominica is rich in rainforests and volcanic activity. It is developing its geothermal energy potential.
Grenada
Often called the “Spice Isle” due to its nutmeg and spice production, Grenada relies on tourism, agriculture, and offshore banking.
Guyana
The only South American country in CARICOM, Guyana has seen rapid economic growth due to its vast oil reserves. It also has a strong agricultural sector.
Haiti
The most populous CARICOM member, Haiti has a rich cultural heritage. Despite economic challenges, it remains a significant player in regional affairs.
Jamaica
One of the most influential Caribbean nations, Jamaica is known for its music, athletics, and tourism. It has a diverse economy including agriculture, mining, and finance.
Montserrat
A British Overseas Territory with a small population, Montserrat is still recovering from volcanic eruptions in the 1990s but maintains a resilient economy.
Saint Kitts and Nevis
The smallest sovereign state in the Western Hemisphere, it has a tourism-driven economy and a growing financial services sector.
Saint Lucia
A picturesque island with a thriving tourism industry. It also has a robust agricultural sector, particularly in banana production.
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
An island chain known for its yachting industry and agricultural exports. Tourism is a key contributor to the economy.
Suriname
The only Dutch-speaking member of CARICOM, Suriname has a diverse economy based on mining, agriculture, and oil production.
Trinidad and Tobago
One of the most industrialized CARICOM members, Trinidad and Tobago has a strong energy sector, particularly in oil and natural gas.
Associate Members
- Anguilla
- Bermuda
- British Virgin Islands
- Cayman Islands
- Curaçao
- Turks and Caicos Islands
- Martinique
Observer States
- Aruba
- Colombia
- Dominican Republic
- Mexico
- Puerto Rico
- Sint Maarten
- Venezuela
Demographics
- Population (2019 estimate): 18,482,141 (full member states); 239,251,864 (including all members)
- Density: 40.3/km²
- Ethnic Composition:
- 73.78% Afro-Caribbean
- 8.3% Multiracial
- 6.09% Indian
- 0.49% European
- 0.39% Indigenous (Amerindian)
- 0.12% Chinese
- 10.83% Other
- Human Development Index (2018): 0.730 (High)
Languages
- Official Language: English
- Working Languages: Dutch, English, French, Spanish
- Other Languages: 34 additional languages, including 16 native non-extinct languages
Economy
- GDP (PPP, 2020 estimate): $145.3 billion
- GDP Per Capita (PPP): $18,289
- GDP (Nominal, 2019 estimate): $81.987 billion
- GDP Per Capita (Nominal): $12,608
- Currencies Used:
- Bahamian Dollar (BSD)
- Barbadian Dollar (BBD)
- Belize Dollar (BZD)
- Bermudian Dollar (BMD)
- Cayman Islands Dollar (KYD)
- Eastern Caribbean Dollar (XCD)
- Guyanese Dollar (GYD)
- Haitian Gourde (HTG)
- Jamaican Dollar (JMD)
- Netherlands Antillean Guilder (ANG)
- Surinamese Dollar (SRD)
- Trinidad and Tobago Dollar (TTD)
- United States Dollar (USD) (in British Virgin Islands and Turks and Caicos Islands)
Governance and Structure
- Principal Organs:
- Conference of Heads of Government
- Community Council
- Standing Committees and Councils:
- Council for Finance and Planning (COFAP)
- Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR)
- Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD)
- Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED)
- Supporting Bodies:
- Legal Affairs Committee
- Budget Committee
- Committee of Central Bank Governors
Institutions and Affiliates
CARICOM has several specialized institutions, including:
- Economic and Trade Organizations:
- CARICOM Development Fund (CDF)
- Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU)
- Caribbean Export Development Agency
- Education and Research Institutions:
- Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC)
- University of the West Indies (UWI)
- University of Guyana (UG)
- Health and Safety Organizations:
- Caribbean Public Health Agency (CARPHA)
- Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA)
- Judicial and Legal Entities:
- Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ)
- CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS)
Key Policies and Programs
- CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME): Facilitates economic integration, trade, and labor mobility within member states.
- Regional Integration Initiatives: Encourage private sector engagement and trade expansion.
- Foreign Policy Coordination: Strengthens diplomatic relations with international organizations and global partners.
- Climate and Sustainable Development Efforts: Enhances environmental resilience and economic sustainability in the region.
Official Website
For more information, visit: CARICOM Official Website
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