KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Government of Jamaica has signed a key Caribbean Community (Caricom) agreement that will allow groups of Member States to move ahead with deeper regional cooperation and integration, even where others aren’t ready.

Senator Kamina Johnson Smith, minister of foreign affairs and foreign trade on Thursday signed the protocol to amend the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas establishing the Caribbean Community including the Caricom Single Market and Economy to allow enhanced cooperation among Member States and to address Related Issues (The Protocol).

“The protocol will provide Caricom with a practical tool to move forward, even when consensus is not immediate, by allowing three or more Member States to deepen cooperation in areas like trade and investment, while keeping the door open for others to join initiatives when ready. Jamaica’s signature takes the process one step further,” she said.

The protocol amends the Revised Treaty and replaces Article 50 (Accelerated Implementation), clearing the way for groups of at least three Caricom members to implement initiatives together, without needing all Member States to sign on. It is aimed at accelerating the implementation of the Caricom Single Market and Economy (CSME), while safeguarding the rights of non-participating countries.

Johnson Smith further noted that Jamaica played an active role in negotiating the protocol and sees it as a step towards stronger regional partnerships, business development and economic growth.

The government of Jamaica will not need to pass new legislation or make changes to financial commitments to Caricom to enable implementation.

The protocol takes provisional effect once all Caricom member states sign, with ratification to follow.