The Caribbean Community

In 1973, the Caribbean Community came into effect. With 15 full members and five associate members, CARICOM was first organized to provide a continued economic linkage among the English-speaking countries of the Caribbean, though it now includes Suriname and Haiti. Its goals include providing 'dynamic leadership and service, in partnership with Community institutions and groups, towards the attainment of a viable, internationally competitive and sustainable Community, with improved quality of life for all'. CARICOM, which involves a free-trade area/single market, strives to create new bilateral free-trade agreements and has introduced a common passport that makes regional and international travel easier for its citizens.