Anguilla has joined regional discussions on the possibility of becoming a full member of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), Premier Cora Richardson Hodge has said.
Speaking during a sitting of the Anguilla House of Assembly on 3 March, she told members that the issue arose during the 50th CARICOM heads of government meeting.
The gathering held in Basseterre in St Kitts brought together leaders from the region’s independent countries and overseas territories between 24 and 27 February.
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Richardson Hodge said that during the conference several territories who are currently associate members expressed interest in full membership of the regional body.
An associate member is a territory that can participate in meetings and programmes but does not have full voting rights like independent member states.
“There were discussions in relation to what would be required for those members to be able to become full members,” the premier said.
She added that the discussions were still at an early stage and that Anguilla, which is also an associate member of CARICOM, will continue to take part.
However, she assured that any decision about pursuing full membership would ultimately involve public consultation.
“We will, of course, have to come to the people in terms of discussions as to whether or not it’s something that we wish to undertake,” she said.
Richardson Hodge described the meeting as productive and said it had strengthened relationships among regional leaders.
“At the end of the day it was a successful CARICOM meeting,” she said. “I think that we all walked away with a closer relationship between each of us.”
The 50th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) was held under the chairmanship of St Kitts prime minister Terrance Drew.
Regional leaders gathered to discuss major issues affecting the Caribbean, including economic integration, climate change, security and other regional priorities.
CARICOM works to advance regional integration by coordinating economic, trade, health, education, cultural and security initiatives across its member states.
