Last Updated on July 9, 2026, 8:09 AM AST by Anthony Morris
CARICOM has welcomed French Guiana to their numbers as an associate member. The agreement of ascension was signed by CARICOM Chair and Prime Minister of St Lucia Philip J. Pierre, and Gabriel Serville, President of the Territorial Collectivity of French Guiana.
The addition of the French Territory into the Associate members was formalised on July 7. With this, the island will have the right to be present in all the summits and meetings of the CARICOM. The leadership of the Caribbean Community has shared that the addition of French Guiana will strengthen the community.
The Caribbean Community has welcomed their newest member warmly and expressed confidence that French Guiana will be a valuable addition to the CARICOM Family. The immediate past Chairperson of CARICOM and Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis has also welcomed French Guiana to the CARICOM family.
As an associate member, French Guiana enjoys several unique privileges while being exempted from the responsibilities borne by the full members of the Caribbean Community.
Associate membership of the organisation is open for nation which are part of the region, self governing territory of another country.
French Guiana is, as is evident by its name, an overseas territory of France and are governed under their administration. The nation will be able to attend any future meetings of the CARICOM heads of States as observers.
The country will also have the right to advocate for their interests during the summits which they attend. The French Guiana will be able to join all CARICOM institutions, except for the Council of Foreign and Community Relations.
The country can benefit from all the regional programmes started by the Caribbean Community. The associate members can also propose the introduction of new initiatives into the CARICOM and modify or offer ideas that can have an effect on the region.
As per the rules of the CARICOM, The associate members also contribute finances into the CARICOM Secretariat’s budget and accept the CARICOM Travel Document.
Anthony Morris covers stories related to politics and regional developments. His in-depth reporting about governance and reforms makes him stand out in regional journalism, with a deep analysis of political trends and their impact on Caribbean communities.
