The French overseas territory of Martinique moved closer to achieving its cherished goal of becoming an associate member of the Caribbean Community (Caricom) when it acceded to the regional body at the 48th Heads of Government Meeting which ended last week in Barbados.

Prime Minister of Barbados Mia Mottley, in her capacity as chairman of Caricom, and president of the Territorial Collectivity of Martinique (CTM) Serge Letchimy, signed the agreement for Martinique’s accession.

“This signing marks a historic milestone in Martinique’s long journey toward regional integration, following its official request to join Caricom over a decade ago,” an official press statement said.

“However, the final stage of ratification — the approval of the Protocol on Privileges and Immunities by the French National Assembly — must still be completed before Martinique can officially become an associate member.”

Associate members of Caricom, which include Cuba and the Dominican Republic, do not have a vote in decisions being made by the grouping.

“Martinique’s accession presents a unique opportunity to strengthen exchanges between the French territory, as an integral part of the European Union, and the 21 Caricom countries and territories (both members and associate members), encompassing approximately 18 million people,” the press statement said.

Becoming an associate member of Caricom is a key step in Martinique’s broader ambition for regional integration. The French territory has previously attained associate member status with the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean in 2012; the Association of Caribbean States in 2014; and the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in 2015.

But with accession, Martinique will be positioned to develop joint projects in key economic sectors, including health care, education, transport, and disaster risk management, further establishing itself as a strategic bridge between the Caribbean and Europe.

Accession to brings several significant benefits for the region, such as expanding access to Caribbean and European markets while diversifying business opportunities; strengthening collaboration in key areas such as health care, education, security, and crisis management; facilitating professional and academic exchanges for Caribbean consultants and students, and boosting exchanges with neighbouring territories to reinforce Caribbean culture, sports, and regional tourism.