The Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) is an organization created by twenty countries in the Caribbean region to promote economic integration and cooperation among its member states. Formed to support shared growth and development, CARICOM helps boost trade, social progress, and cultural exchange among its members.
By focusing on creating a better and more sustainable future, CARICOM plays an important role in the Caribbean. It promotes working together and making progress as a region.

What is CARICOM?
In a simple way, CARICOM stands for The Caribbean Community, which is an agreement made in 1973 between several Caribbean countries. This agreement has its own organization, aiming to increase economic interaction and promote unity among Caribbean countries. In other words, CARICOM is similar to the Schengen Area in Europe.

CARICOM Benefits
Some of the benefits and functions of this organization are:
– Free movement of goods within Caribbean countries
– Transfer of skills among these countries
– Providing business services and trade without restrictions in the region
– Free flow of capital without limitations among member countries
– Setting up businesses in any CARICOM country without legal barriers

Community Vision
CARICOM dreams of a Caribbean Community that is united, welcoming, and strong. It focuses on knowledge, excellence, innovation, and productivity to ensure every person feels safe and has the chance to reach their potential, with their human rights and social justice protected. This community works to create economic, social, and cultural prosperity so everyone can contribute to and enjoy its benefits. CARICOM wants to be a strong and competitive group in the world, promoting unity and strength among its member countries.
Related Contents:
The Difference Between Dominica And Dominican Republic
Dominica Passport Requirements
History of the Caribbean Community and the Common Market
CARICOM was formed in 1973 to create a coordinated economic policy for its member countries and to implement development plans and special projects to support less developed countries in the region. This common market helps resolve trade differences. CARICOM was established by developing Caribbean countries to design development plans that promote economic growth and integration. As mentioned earlier, CARICOM has twenty countries: 15 member states and 5 associate members. The total population of these Caribbean countries is nearly 16 million, mostly under the age of thirty. The people are mainly from diverse backgrounds, including African, Indian, European, Indigenous, Chinese, Portuguese, and Javanese.
CARICOM Members
CARICOM members are a lively group of countries working together for regional growth and cooperation. They join forces to boost economic connections, improve social progress, and strengthen teamwork across the Caribbean. The group includes both full and associate members, all aiming for unity and shared success. CARICOM also connects with a few observer countries, broadening its reach and building partnerships beyond its main members. By working together, CARICOM seeks to create a stronger, more unified Caribbean community, tackling shared problems and seizing new opportunities.

Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Countries
Here are the full members of CARICOM: The 15 member countries are Antigua and Barbuda, the Bahamas, Belize, Dominica, Barbados, Guyana, Grenada, Haiti, Montserrat, Jamaica, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Lucia, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Trinidad and Tobago, and Suriname. The 5 associate member countries are Anguilla, the British Virgin Islands, Bermuda, the Cayman Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. The observer countries include Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Curaçao, Aruba, Colombia, and Mexico.
Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat
The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat is the main office of CARICOM. It helps carry out decisions made by CARICOM leaders and coordinates activities among member countries. The Secretariat ensures CARICOM’s goals, such as economic cooperation, social development, and regional teamwork, are achieved smoothly. Located in Georgetown, Guyana, the CARICOM Secretariat organizes meetings, manages projects, and supports member countries. It acts as a center for communication and teamwork, helping to promote unity and progress in the Caribbean. Through its work, the Secretariat helps build a stronger, more connected community that can handle regional challenges and opportunities effectively.

President of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and Common Market
The CARICOM presidency rotates among member countries, demonstrating a commitment to fairness and shared leadership. By allowing each country to take its turn as president, CARICOM ensures that different perspectives and priorities are considered at the top level. This system not only improves teamwork but also builds a sense of unity and shared responsibility among Caribbean countries.
The laws between Caricom countries
It’s important you know that all CARICOM citizens have the right to enter other member Caribbean countries and stay there for up to six months.
However, they cannot stay indefinitely or start a business or work without permission.
If a CARICOM citizen wants to stay longer than six months, live there, or work, they must follow the specific rules of the community or the national laws of the country.
If a CARICOM citizen wants to change their status from a visitor or tourist during their stay, they need to go to the relevant authorities and provide the required documents as a CARICOM national to apply for a work permit or residence permit.
Citizenship in the Caribbean community
By obtaining Caribbean citizenship , you gain the benefit of being a citizen of all CARICOM member nations. For instance, with a Dominica passport , you can travel to more than 140 countries visa-free. Plus, the region offers very low taxes for business activities. Currently, out of the 20 CARICOM member countries, 5 offer citizenship through investment programs (CBI), making it an attractive option for those looking to explore new opportunities.