The territory of French Guiana has officially joined the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as its eighth associate member, marking a major step in the organization’s continued expansion as regional leaders meet in Saint Lucia for the 51st Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government.
The associate membership agreement was signed on Tuesday July 7th 2026, by CARICOM Chairman and Saint Lucian Prime Minister Philip J. Pierre and Gabriel Serville, President of the Territorial Collectivity of French Guiana.
Speaking during the signing ceremony, Pierre hailed the agreement as a significant milestone for CARICOM, saying it strengthens regional unity and deepens cooperation across the Caribbean.
He described the move as more than a formal agreement, calling it “a meaningful act of regional inclusion” that demonstrates CARICOM’s commitment to building stronger partnerships throughout the region.
Pierre said French Guiana’s membership opens the door for greater collaboration in areas such as regional development, trade and investment, climate resilience, border security, education, healthcare, environmental protection, culture and people-to-people exchanges.
Associate membership allows non-independent Caribbean territories to participate in CARICOM’s programmes and initiatives on issues of shared interest, while not carrying the full rights and responsibilities of the Community’s 15 full member states.
With French Guiana’s admission, CARICOM now has eight associate members, further strengthening its reach and cooperation across the wider Caribbean.
