Caribbean Community (CARICOM): regional integration and cooperation

Purpose and core functions

At its core CARICOM seeks to promote economic integration and functional cooperation among its members. It pursues a Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME) to increase cross-border trade and mobility, coordinate development strategies, and improve the region’s negotiating position in global fora. Practical functions include creating common tariffs, coordinating foreign policy positions, and supporting joint initiatives in health, education, agriculture and disaster management. For information on trade-related activities consult: trade and market policies, and for wider economic coordination: economic cooperation.

Institutions and mechanisms

• CARICOM Secretariat — the main administrative and policy organ located in Georgetown, Guyana, which supports decision-making and program delivery.
• Council of Ministers and Heads of Government — political organs that set strategic direction.
• Caribbean Court and other regional bodies — some legal and technical institutions support dispute resolution and treaty interpretation, while specialized agencies handle health, statistics and agriculture.

History and development

CARICOM grew out of earlier regional efforts, notably the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA), and was formalized in 1973. Over subsequent decades the Community expanded membership, developed a Single Market ambition, and created frameworks for cooperation in areas such as disaster response and public health. The organization has adapted repeatedly to the challenges of small island economies, globalization and climate vulnerability.

Members and relationships

Full members include Antigua and Barbuda, Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Grenada, Guyana, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname and Trinidad and Tobago. Several British overseas territories are associate members and maintain closer ties for functional collaboration. CARICOM also works with external partners, regional organizations and international institutions on development and trade.

Notable aspects of CARICOM are its emphasis on shared policy for small economies, the pursuit of a single market to ease movement of goods and people, and ongoing efforts to strengthen resilience to hurricanes, economic shocks and public-health emergencies. The Community continues to evolve as member states balance national sovereignty with regional cooperation.