Curaçao has achieved a significant milestone by becoming an Associate Member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The island’s membership is expected to enhance opportunities for collaboration in key areas such as trade, security, health, and education, contributing to the overall development and prosperity of both Curaçao and the wider Caribbean region.
This development marks a new chapter in the island’s engagement with the region and underscores its commitment to fostering stronger regional cooperation and integration. The announcement has been met with widespread acclaim, highlighting the potential benefits and opportunities that Curaçao’s membership brings to both the island and the broader CARICOM community.
It was noted that the efforts of Curaçao’s government and its people are alignment with the values and objectives of CARICOM, an organization dedicated to promoting economic integration, cooperation, and collective action among Caribbean nations.
As an Associate Member, Curaçao is poised to benefit from a range of strategic opportunities that come with closer integration into CARICOM. The island will have the chance to participate in various CARICOM initiatives and programmes, which aim to promote economic growth, social development, and regional stability. Enhanced access to regional markets, increased cooperation on security matters, and shared efforts in public health and education are among the anticipated benefits. This membership is also seen as a platform for Curaçao to contribute to regional discussions and decision-making processes, thereby playing a more active role in shaping the future of the Caribbean.
According to Davika Bissessar, President Bonaire Human Rights Organization, this development aligns with Curaçao’s broader vision of establishing itself as a key player in regional affairs and highlights its readiness to engage more deeply with neighboring countries on matters of common interest.
“The shared goals and collective efforts of the community will undoubtedly lead to a brighter and more prosperous future for all,” she noted.
In a statement, James Finies, leader of Pueblo Progresivo Uni, and Bissessar, extended their heartfelt congratulations to the people of Curaçao and expressed confidence that Curaçao’s participation in CARICOM will greatly enrich the community’s efforts towards justice, reparation, and other crucial initiatives.
They also highlighted their own organization’s recent achievement of Associate Membership in the CARICOM Reparations Commission, underscoring the importance of collective action in addressing regional issues.