CARICOM Member states and Associate Members

Twenty countries make up the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Fifteen are full members and five are Associate Members.
The geographical boundaries of the Caribbean Community stretch from The Bahama Islands in the north, southward to Guyana and Suriname – both on the north coast of the South American mainland. They also extend from Belize in the West on the Central American mainland to Barbados – the most easterly of the islands. Suriname defines the eastern boundary of the Community.
All CARICOM countries are classified as developing countries. They are all relatively small in terms of population and size, and diverse in terms of geography and population, culture and levels of economic and social development.
CARICOM countries share similarities and challenges. On the one hand they are all in proximity to major markets in North and South American, and most countries, have had to make the transition from agriculture or mining to a service-driven economy, especially tourism and financial services. On the other hand, they have to overcome the challenges of frequent natural disasters, in addition to small size with associated lack of economies of scale and vulnerability to external shocks.
All members subscribe to the Community’s principles outlined in the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (2002). Leaders of member states shape the Community’s policies and priorities. They meet twice yearly to discuss issues affecting the Community and the wider world at the Conferences of Heads of Government. All members have an equal say regardless of size or economic status. This ensures that every member has a voice in shaping the Caribbean Community.

Membership
According to the Treaty of Chaguaramas of the Caribbean Community, membership of the Caribbean Community shall be open to any other State or Territory of the Caribbean Region that is, in the opinion of The Conference, able and willing to exercise the rights and assume the obligations of membership.

Obligations
Member States of the Caribbean Community:
* Are allowed to attend, participate and vote in all Meetings of the Organs and Institutions of the Caribbean Community

* Have the right of participation in the deliberations of all bodies in order to promote its interests in all programmes and measures, including the right to propose programmes and measures, or the modification of programmes and measures, as well as to share in the benefits of all relevant CARICOM regional programmes and measures, whether proposed by the country or not

* Accept the Caribbean Community travel document

* Pay an appropriate contribution to the budget of the CARICOM Secretariat.

* Associate Members of the Caribbean Community

* Attend as Observers, Meetings of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community

* Are members of all Institutions except Council of Foreign and Community Relations

* Have the right of participation in the deliberations of those bodies in which it has membership in order to promote its interests in specific programmes and measures, including the right to propose programmes and measures or the modification of programmes and measures, as well as to share in the benefits of all relevant CARICOM regional programmes and measures, whether proposed by the country or not

* Accept the Caribbean Community travel document

* Pay an appropriate contribution to the budget of the CARICOM Secretariat. (CARICOM)