THE Dominican Republic and Martinique have both expressed their intentions to join the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as associate members.

This development was shared by President Dr. Irfaan Ali, the current CARICOM chairman, during a press conference following the 46th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM, held at the Marriott Hotel.

Dr. Ali confirmed, “Yes, we did address the request for associate memberships… The process has started because there is a request. The secretariat is going to work with Martinique and DR on fulfilling the procedural requirements aspect of things.”
He pointed out that it is anticipated that all the “necessary mechanisms” will be in place and presented at the Regular Heads of Government meeting which will be held in Grenada in July.

The Dominican Republic has reiterated its desire for full membership within CARICOM, a request first made in 1991 after becoming an Observer in 1982.
However, the country’s significant population and economy, akin in scale to the entire CARICOM region, present challenges for its full membership, which requires a unanimous vote from CARICOM states.

Martinique’s request to join CARICOM was made at the last Heads of Government Conference in Port of Spain, Trinidad.
As associate members, both countries would gain the right to attend Heads of Government meetings and partake in discussions of CARICOM bodies of which they are members, with the exception of the Council of Foreign and Community Relations, according to CARICOM website.