Caribbean Community—CARICOM

Abstract

Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) was formed in 1973 by the Treaty of Chaguaramas, as a movement towards unity in the Caribbean; it was to incorporate a Common Market, replacing the Caribbean Free Trade Association, founded in 1965. The Council consists of ministers responsible for CARICOM affairs, as well as other government ministers designated by member states, and is responsible for the development of the Community’s strategic planning and co-ordination in the areas of economic integration, functional co-operation and external relations. In April 1997 CARICOM inaugurated a Caribbean Regional Negotiating Machinery body, based in Kingston, Jamaica, to co-ordinate and strengthen the region’s presence at external economic negotiations. A Trade and Economic Agreement was signed by the two sides in July 2000, and in February 2001 a CARICOM office was established in Cuba. In March 2000 heads of government issued a statement supporting the territorial integrity and security of Belize in that country’s ongoing border dispute with Guatemala.