*Politics 💼 / Martinique 🇲🇶* *Martinique Joins CARICOM: A Historic Signature for a Yet Cautious Integration* This date will mark a turning point in the history of relations between *Martinique* and the Caribbean: *the official signing of its accession as an associate member of CARICOM* represents a symbolic step forward. This formalization, led by the President of the Executive Council of Martinique, Serge Letchimy, and validated by the Prime Minister of Barbados and current CARICOM Chair, Mia Mottley, reflects a political will to further integrate the island within its natural regional environment. However, this integration remains primarily *institutional*. As an associate member, Martinique *does not yet have decision-making power within the organization*, limiting its influence on major economic and political directions in the region. This membership opens a door, but the question remains: *Is Martinique ready to make the Caribbean market its main driver of development, beyond its historical ties with France and the European Union?* History will remember this signature as a step toward *Martinique’s identity affirmation within the Caribbean*. Yet, the real driver of this transition will not be purely political—*it will depend on the will of the Martinican people and its economic actors to turn the Caribbean market into a strategic growth lever.* In a territory *seeking economic sovereignty*, the success of this integration will rely on its ability to overcome historical and institutional barriers and fully establish itself as a regional player. @Karayib News - 02/21/2025 _Photo credit: France-Antilles, Mia Mottley and Serge Letchimy_