Canada and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM)

The is an international grouping in the Caribbean consisting of . CARICOM came into existence on July 4th, 1973, with the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas.

Our partnership

The Canada-CARICOM Strategic Partnership, announced on October 18, 2023, at the Canada-CARICOM Leaders' Summit hosted in Ottawa, guides the ongoing engagement between Canada and CARICOM. This partnership serves as a blueprint for engagement and a mechanism for regular dialogue and expert consultations at all levels (officials, ministers, leaders). It facilitates continued collaboration and cooperation on issues of mutual interest, with the goal of making our countries and the hemisphere safer, more resilient, and more prosperous.

Canada and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) have established a strong partnership, grounded in shared economic interests, common values, and strong people-to-people ties. This relationship is characterized by collaboration on a wide range of issues, including climate, economic prosperity, sustainable and inclusive development, and regional security, and is maintained through bilateral and multilateral engagement in various international forums and institutions. Canada is committed to supporting CARICOM in areas such as regional integration, economic, human and social development, and the strengthening of democratic and judicial institutions.

Canada and CARICOM collaborate closely within international organizations such as the United Nations, the Commonwealth, La Francophonie, and the Organization of American States. At the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, Canada’s Executive Directors represent a group of Caribbean constituents, advocating on their behalf. Canada also works closely with CARICOM Member States in regional banks, including the Inter-American Development Bank and the Caribbean Development Bank.

Addressing the crisis in Haiti is another crucial pillar of Canada’s engagement with CARICOM. Canada has worked closely with CARICOM to support Haitian-led efforts to address the country’s insecurity and to support a return to constitutional order. Together, Canada and CARICOM supported the efforts of Haitian political actors in establishing a Transitional Presidential Council and a transitional government, with a mandate to restore security in Haiti and prepare for free and fair elections. As part of Operation HELIOS, launched in April 2024, the Canadian Armed Forces provided training to military personnel from several CARICOM nations, including Jamaica, Belize, and the Bahamas, in preparation for their deployment to the Multinational Security Support Mission (MSSM) in Haiti.

Canada’s relationship with CARICOM is deep and multifaceted, rooted in the principles of rule of law, mutual respect, democracy, and human rights. This bond of trust reflects a shared commitment to progress, prosperity, and the security of our hemisphere and the well-being of its citizens. Canada is proud to affirm its commitment as a steadfast partner of CARICOM and the wider Caribbean region and will continue to work together to address shared challenges and seize new opportunities. This enduring partnership serves to reflect our shared values and aspirations, and Canada is dedicated to further strengthening these ties in the years to come.

Our international assistance

Canada is a committed partner to CARICOM countries in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals. Canada’s international assistance priorities support Caribbean efforts to foster climate resilience, economic growth, and inclusive governance. Gender equality is at the forefront, in line with Canada’s Feminist International Assistance Policy.

Since 2022, Canada has provided more than $400 million in development, humanitarian and security assistance to Haiti to meet the most pressing needs of the population, while contributing to the country’s long-term development goals in key sectors such as health, education, governance, economic growth, and climate change. This includes Canada’s $45 million contribution to the World Food Programme to help reduce chronic hunger among schoolchildren. Canada also supports three health-related projects totalling $17.6 million, which provide equipment, supplies, and training to strengthen local health care systems.

Canada recognizes the vulnerabilities and unique challenges faced by Small Island Developing States and Low-lying Countries (SIDS) in the Caribbean. We are committed to supporting countries to adapt and respond to the adverse effects of climate change.

In response to Hurricane Beryl—which made landfall on July 1, 2024, as the earliest Category 4 storm on record—Canada announced $1.2 million in humanitarian support to relief efforts, directed toward emergency essentials such as water, food and healthcare supplies. Funding also supported partners to pivot within existing projects to provide direct support to impacted communities, including for emergency food assistance and logistics services. For instance, through UN Women, Canada contributed to the distribution of 300 hygiene and dignity product kits in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and cash-based transfers to vulnerable individuals.

To foster recovery and long-term resilient and inclusive economies, Canada actively supports inclusive growth initiatives such as climate resilient agriculture, technical and vocational education and training and micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in the region, particularly among women-led firms.

A principle means of working in the Caribbean is through technical assistance and training to increase the capacity of governments and organizations. For instance, the Canada-CARICOM Expert Deployment Mechanism provides technical assistance to CARICOM governments to help diversify and strengthen economies, build climate resilient communities, and reduce gender and economic inequalities.

Information on Canada’s international assistance in CARICOM countries can be explored on the 抖淫视频  and the DevData dashboard on international assistance expenditures.

Quick facts

• Since 2010, Canada has delivered more than $2.8 billion in bilateral assistance to the region, not including multilateral assistance to organizations such as the Caribbean Development Bank.
• Canada hosted the 54th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) in Ottawa, Ontario, from June 17 to 20, 2024. The theme of the 4-day event was “Partnerships for Resilient Prosperity.”
• CARICOM countries are supported through 抖淫视频’s Caribbean Regional Development Program and the Haiti Development Program.

Our office

High Commission of Canada accredited to CARICOM in Georgetown, Guyana

Canada’s High Commission in Georgetown, Guyana serves as Canada’s primary point of contact with the CARICOM secretariat.

Declarations and statements

List of declarations, statements and announcements pertaining to our diplomatic relationship with CARICOM.

News

List of official Government of Canada press releases, ministerial statements and media advisories pertaining to CARICOM and associated activities.

Related links

• Canada and Latin America and the Caribbean
• Canada and the Caribbean Development Bank