What is the Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) and what are its goals?

The Caribbean Community and Common Market (CARICOM) is a supranational organization consisting of 15 member states in the Caribbean region. It was established in 1973 with the goal of promoting economic integration, cooperation, and development among its member countries.

The main goals of CARICOM are:

1. Economic Integration: CARICOM aims to create a single market and economy within the Caribbean region, facilitating the free movement of goods, services, capital, and skilled labor among member states. This integration is intended to enhance economic growth, competitiveness, and sustainable development.

2. Social and Cultural Cooperation: CARICOM seeks to foster social and cultural cooperation among member states, promoting unity and solidarity within the Caribbean community. This includes initiatives to preserve and promote Caribbean culture, heritage, and identity.

3. Foreign Policy Coordination: CARICOM aims to coordinate the foreign policies of its member states, enabling them to speak with a unified voice on regional and international issues. This enhances their collective bargaining power and influence in global affairs.

4. Human and Social Development: CARICOM is committed to improving the quality of life for its citizens through initiatives focused on education, health, gender equality, youth development, and poverty reduction. It aims to address social and economic disparities among member states and promote social justice.

5. Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability: CARICOM recognizes the vulnerability of its member states to climate change and aims to promote sustainable development practices, resilience, and adaptation to climate impacts. It advocates for global action on climate change and supports initiatives to mitigate its effects in the Caribbean region.

Overall, CARICOM seeks to strengthen regional integration, cooperation, and solidarity among its member states, with the ultimate goal of improving the well-being and prosperity of the Caribbean people.