Curaçao's New Status as a CARICOM Associate Member: What Does It Mean?
June 19, 2024
Government officials and public servants are celebrating a milestone achievement: after years of lobbying—around 20 years, Curaçao has finally been appointed as an associate member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).
CARICOM has a framework that accommodates different types of membership, including full members and associate members. Associate membership allows non-sovereign territories and dependencies to participate in CARICOM activities without the full responsibilities and rights that come with full membership. So, what does this new status mean for Curaçao? Let's break down the rights and obligations of CARICOM associate members and what this could potentially mean for us.
Rights of CARICOM Associate Members:
Participation in Meetings: Associate members can take part in certain CARICOM meetings and discussions, although their participation may be limited to specific areas relevant to their interests and status.
Access to CARICOM Programs and Services: Associate members gain access to various CARICOM programs and services, particularly in areas like trade, education, health, and disaster management.
Economic Cooperation: They can engage in economic cooperation initiatives and benefit from regional economic integration efforts.
Technical Assistance: Associate members can receive technical assistance and support from CARICOM in development planning, policy formulation, and capacity building.
Observer Status:
They may hold observer status in various CARICOM bodies, which allows them to stay informed and contribute to discussions, though they do not have voting rights.
Obligations of CARICOM Associate Members:
Adherence to CARICOM Policies and Decisions: While not bound by all CARICOM decisions, associate members must adhere to policies and decisions relevant to their specific agreements with CARICOM.
Financial Contributions: Associate members must make financial contributions to CARICOM, generally less than those of full members, to help fund operations and initiatives.
Implementation of Relevant Agreements: They need to implement agreements and protocols they are party to, ensuring alignment with CARICOM’s overall objectives.
Collaboration and Cooperation: Associate members are expected to collaborate and cooperate with full members and other associate members to promote regional integration and development.
Key Differences from Full Membership:
Voting Rights: Associate members typically do not have voting rights in CARICOM’s main decision-making bodies.
Full Participation in CSME: They are not full participants in the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), a key component of CARICOM integration for full members.
Sovereignty Considerations: As non-sovereign territories, associate members’ participation and obligations differ from those of sovereign states. Examples of Associate Members: Current CARICOM associate members include Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, and the Turks and Caicos Islands. Each has negotiated specific terms of participation and obligations with CARICOM to reflect their unique status and needs.
What Does This Mean for Curaçao? In theory, associate membership should provide benefits such as enhanced regional cooperation, better access to programs and services, and potential economic opportunities. However, for ordinary citizens and businesses, this does not automatically mean greater access to a larger market and more resources for development.
However, there are some challenges and potential downsides to consider:
Limited Export Capabilities: Our current export volume is relatively low, which may limit immediate economic benefits from increased market access. Bear in mind that associate members do not have direct access to the Caribbean single market.
Cultural and Mindset Barriers: There is a tendency to look down on the Caribbean and up to the Netherlands. This mindset may hinder the full realization of the benefits of CARICOM membership.
Increased Political Travel: There's a concern that associate membership could lead to more expensive trips for politicians, like trips to Parlatino, without tangible benefits for the populace.
Curaçao’s new status as a CARICOM associate member opens up possibilities but also comes with its set of challenges. It’s a step towards greater regional integration, but the real impact will depend on how effectively we leverage this new status and address the underlying issues that may hinder its potential benefits.
As we move forward, it’s crucial to focus on strategic planning and changing mindsets to truly harness the advantages of being a part of the CARICOM community.
Miguel Goede
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