The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has expanded its membership with the addition of Martinique as its seventh associate member.

Martinique officially joined the regional bloc on June 16, 2026, after the Government of France submitted the Instrument of Accession needed to bring into force the agreement granting the French overseas territory associate membership.

The agreement was originally signed in February 2025. 

Martinique will now take part in its first CARICOM Heads of Government meeting as an associate member when regional leaders gather in Saint Lucia for their 51st Regular Meeting from July 5 to 8.

Martinique joins Anguilla, Bermuda, the British Virgin Islands, the Cayman Islands, the Turks and Caicos Islands and Curaçao, who joined in 2024, as CARICOM associate members. 

Associate members participate in discussions, propose initiatives and take part in regional programmes, but they do not have voting rights in CARICOM’s highest decision-making bodies.

CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett also revealed that the Community is expected to grow again in the coming days, with documents for French Guiana’s admission as an associate member due to be signed shortly.