ℂ𝕠𝕟𝕤𝕖𝕢𝕦𝕖𝕟𝕔𝕖𝕤 𝕠𝕗 𝕒 ℝ𝔼𝔽𝔼ℝ𝔼ℕ𝔻𝕌𝕄
𝕆𝕟 ℂ𝔸ℝ𝕀ℂ𝕆𝕄 𝕄𝕖𝕞𝕓𝕖𝕣𝕤𝕙𝕚𝕡.
By ©Winston Drexel Munnings /ChatGPT
& ©A. Derek Catalano/ChatGPT - NativeStew.Com
Question!
As a citizen of any of the 15-member Nations that are part of the Caribbean Community CARICOM, have you EVER (seriously) reflected on the potential advantages and/or disadvantages of full membership of your Island Nation in this regional organization?
I believe this introspection is essential, though the wider public rarely discusses it. Full disclosure, however, is that (understandably) the decision for countries to join CARICOM mainly depends on government choices, influenced by a complex mix of legal systems, economic policies, and diplomatic strategies, rather than being decided by public votes or referendums.
I can recall, however, that when my country, The Bahamas, officially became a member of CARICOM on July 4, 1983, there was a conspicuous absence of any demands for a public referendum from either the ruling government or any of the opposition elements. Such a referendum, if it were held, could have facilitated direct citizen engagement in this significant decision-making process. Nevertheless, I firmly believe (and accept) that the government of that time conducted comprehensive due diligence, engaging in in-depth discussions and consultations, whether independently or in collaboration with opposition factions. This diligent process ultimately paved the way for The Bahamas' membership in CARICOM, underscoring the essential nature of regional cooperation and integration for our nation’s development and economic advancement.
Upon further research, however, it appears that no Caribbean nation has (EVER) previously conducted a referendum concerning the question of joining CARICOM. This trend has persisted until relatively recently, when a noteworthy development (in the British Overseas Territory of Bermuda) emerged that has the potential to reshape the historical landscape of governance and integration within the Caribbean.
In Bermuda (the Somers Isles), for example, the opposition party, the One Bermuda Alliance (OBA), has formally advocated for a referendum on full CARICOM membership. Understandably, however, the current government in Bermuda is also contemplating this pivotal step and has reportedly received a Letter of Entrustment from the British Government to initiate negotiations with CARICOM. However, a referendum has not yet been confirmed. The Bermuda case illustrates that a proposal for a referendum can become a significant matter of political discussion, serving as a valuable mechanism to gauge public sentiment on such a consequential issue.
The implications of holding such a referendum could be substantial, as it would give citizens the chance to directly express their opinions about the potential benefits and challenges of deeper cooperation among Caribbean nations. This marks a critical moment in the political and social development of the region, with the potential to significantly shape CARICOM's future and the path of its member states.
The 2023 Consensus reveals that this British Overseas Territory, renowned for its pink-sand beaches such as Elbow Beach and Horseshoe Bay, has a population of nearly 65,000 residents. For example, if interest grows in fully understanding the benefits and drawbacks of Full Membership in Bermuda ... what could this mean for the push toward CARICOM membership
In our effort to gain deeper insights into the subject at hand, the co-author and I used the help of Artificial Intelligence, specifically utilizing the capabilities of 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐭𝐆𝐏𝐓. This enabled us to conduct a thorough exploration not only of the unique context surrounding Bermuda but also of the other four British Territories that are (currently) full members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Through this research, which we are happy to share now, we aimed to uncover the complex dynamics and implications of their (the four British dependencies') participation in CARICOM, shedding light on both the opportunities and challenges these territories face within this regional organization. (Bermuda might want to pay attention to these AI findings.)
ChatGPT said the following:
Here's a comprehensive analysis of the pros and cons of the five CARICOM associate members, 𝐂𝐚𝐲𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐓𝐮𝐫𝐤𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐂𝐚𝐢𝐜𝐨𝐬 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬, 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐭𝐢𝐬𝐡 𝐕𝐢𝐫𝐠𝐢𝐧 𝐈𝐬𝐥𝐚𝐧𝐝𝐬 (𝐁𝐕𝐈), 𝐀𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐚, 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐁𝐞𝐫𝐦𝐮𝐝𝐚, if they (Bermuda) were to become full members of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). This assessment encompasses economic benefits, social impacts, and geopolitical implications, as well as key challenges and drawbacks.
Overview of the Territories
These five are British Overseas Territories (BOTs) with associate status in CARICOM. As non-sovereign territories, they are not full participants in CARICOM’s decision-making bodies, the Caribbean Single Market and Economy (CSME), or its Common External Tariff (CET).
𝐄𝐂𝐎𝐍𝐎𝐌𝐈𝐂 𝐁𝐄𝐍𝐄𝐅𝐈𝐓𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐋 𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏
1. 𝑬𝒏𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒄𝒆𝒅 𝑹𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒓𝒂𝒅𝒆 𝑶𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒕𝒊𝒆𝒔
Pros:
Greater access to regional markets through CSME could diversify their trade portfolios.
It could help reduce dependence on the UK and the US by opening intra-CARICOM trade routes.
Cons:
Small production bases result in limited goods and services for export.
Joining CSME may require adjustments to existing low-tax, high-capital regimes, which could erode their competitive advantage in offshore finance.
2. 𝑹𝒆𝒈𝒊𝒐𝒏𝒂𝒍 𝑻𝒐𝒖𝒓𝒊𝒔𝒎 𝑰𝒏𝒕𝒆𝒈𝒓𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏
Pros:
Full membership could lead to unified tourism strategies, joint marketing, and open skies agreements.
More effortless movement of people could boost regional tourism and labor flexibility.
Cons:
Potential strain on infrastructure and services if regional migration increases too quickly.
Some may face internal resistance to perceived “mass tourism” from lower-income neighbors.
3. 𝑨𝒄𝒄𝒆𝒔𝒔 𝒕𝒐 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝑭𝒖𝒏𝒅𝒔 & 𝑻𝒆𝒄𝒉𝒏𝒊𝒄𝒂𝒍 𝑺𝒖𝒑𝒑𝒐𝒓𝒕
Pros:
CARICOM institutions (e.g., CDB, CARPHA, UWI) offer technical assistance, health, and education programs.
Could benefit from regional disaster risk management frameworks.
Cons:
Contributions to CARICOM’s budget would increase, potentially straining the budgets of small administrations.
As relatively high-income territories, they may get less priority in aid disbursement.
𝐒𝐎𝐂𝐈𝐀𝐋 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐀𝐂𝐓𝐒 𝐎𝐅 𝐅𝐔𝐋𝐋 𝐌𝐄𝐌𝐁𝐄𝐑𝐒𝐇𝐈𝐏
1. 𝑭𝒓𝒆𝒆𝒅𝒐𝒎 𝒐𝒇 𝑴𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕
Pros:
Access to a broader labor market for their citizens, especially youth and professionals.
It could help address labor shortages in sectors such as hospitality, construction, and healthcare.
Cons:
Local anxiety about job competition from citizens of larger, lower-income CARICOM states.
Possible socio-cultural tensions from sudden shifts in population dynamics.
2. 𝑬𝒅𝒖𝒄𝒂𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 & 𝑯𝒖𝒎𝒂𝒏 𝑪𝒂𝒑𝒊𝒕𝒂𝒍 𝑫𝒆𝒗𝒆𝒍𝒐𝒑𝒎𝒆𝒏𝒕
Pros:
Full access to regional tertiary institutions and training programs could upskill populations.
Students could benefit from regional scholarships and fee reciprocity.
Cons:
Brain drain risks if young, educated citizens move to larger CARICOM states or vice versa.
May need significant educational reforms to align with CARICOM standards.
𝐆𝐄𝐎𝐏𝐎𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐋 𝐈𝐌𝐏𝐋𝐈𝐂𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍𝐒
1. Regional Solidarity and Political Voice
Pros:
Stronger collective Caribbean voice in international forums, particularly on climate change, decolonization, and financial regulation.
Opportunity to influence regional policy and direction.
Cons:
As BOTs, they lack full sovereignty, which could complicate their participation in CARICOM's decision-making processes.
The UK might push back against deeper regional political integration that undermines British authority.
2. UK-CARICOM Relations
Pros:
It could act as a bridge between CARICOM and the UK post-Brexit.
Potential to foster new CARICOM-UK agreements with these territories as intermediaries.
Cons:
May face conflicting loyalties in foreign policy stances (e.g., on Venezuela, Cuba, or global tax transparency).
CARICOM’s growing political autonomy may clash with BOTs' status under UK governance.
CHALLENGES & DRAWBACKS
1. Legal and Constitutional Barriers
BOTs are not fully sovereign and would need UK approval to cede any power to a regional body. This could block or delay integration.
2. Economic Model Incompatibility
Their economies rely heavily on offshore finance and low-tax regimes, which clash with CARICOM’s push for tax transparency and economic harmonization.
3. Risk of Over-regulation
Full membership may require aligning with CARICOM’s regulatory frameworks, including tariffs, immigration, and trade policy—potentially reducing policy autonomy.
4. Public Opposition
Populations in some territories may view CARICOM as bureaucratic or economically irrelevant to their high-income status, leading to political pushback.
TERRITORY-SPECIFIC INSIGHTS
ℂ𝕒𝕪𝕞𝕒𝕟 𝕀𝕤𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕤
Pros: Financial powerhouse could boost CARICOM's global clout.
Cons: Major adjustments to banking secrecy laws may be needed; local resistance to immigration liberalization.
𝕋𝕦𝕣𝕜𝕤 𝕒𝕟𝕕 ℂ𝕒𝕚𝕔𝕠𝕤 𝕀𝕤𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕤
Pros: Shared cultural ties with CARICOM and a strong tourism base.
Cons: Political instability and past UK interventions may complicate integration.
𝔹𝕣𝕚𝕥𝕚𝕤𝕙 𝕍𝕚𝕣𝕘𝕚𝕟 𝕀𝕤𝕝𝕒𝕟𝕕𝕤
Pros: Maritime links and small business culture align with regional integration.
Cons: Vulnerable to regulatory conflicts on offshore finance and environmental issues.
𝔸𝕟𝕘𝕦𝕚𝕝𝕝𝕒
Pros: Small but culturally close to OECS/CARICOM; could benefit from joint disaster response.
Cons: Tiny economy, limited capacity to meet CARICOM obligations.
𝔹𝕖𝕣𝕞𝕦𝕕𝕒
Pros: A high-income, highly educated population could offer technical leadership.
Cons: Culturally and economically distinct; public sentiment strongly favors autonomy from Caribbean governance.
CONCLUSION: Strategic Value vs Structural Limits
Becoming full members of CARICOM offers strategic, economic, and social benefits for the five BOTs, particularly in strengthening regional solidarity, enhancing access to labor and education markets, and improving disaster resilience.
But there are significant challenges, including constitutional limitations, economic misalignment, and internal political hesitance, particularly in high-income territories like Cayman and Bermuda.
For meaningful integration, there would need to be:
• Legal agreements with the UK to allow regional power-sharing;
• Tailored CARICOM membership frameworks recognizing BOTs’ special status;
• Domestic buy-in through education and dialogue.
In short, full CARICOM membership is feasible but not frictionless, and would require both creative diplomacy and institutional reform to make it viable.
