The Caribbean Community Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR), welcomes the introduction of the Bill, the Strengthening U.S.-Caribbean Partnership Act by United States Congress representatives Castro, Salazar, Cherfilus-McCormick, and Lawler. This bipartisan effort marks a pivotal moment in our shared commitment to deepening Caribbean-American cooperation. By formally recognizing the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) under the International Organization Immunities Act, the United States will not only be affirming the enduring value of our partnership but also reinforcing its trust in CARICOM’s role as a vital and unified regional voice. This forward-looking legislation sends a clear and powerful message: prosperity, security, and democratic stability of the Caribbean and the United States are intrinsically linked.

The COFCOR views this Bill as an important milestone in our decades-long journey to strengthen regional collaboration, enhance people-to-people ties, and advance mutual interests in trade, climate resilience, public health, and citizen security. It reflects a growing recognition that the Caribbean is not just a neighbour but a strategic partner in shaping a more stable and prosperous hemisphere. We commend this visionary initiative and stand ready to work closely with our American counterparts to turn these shared aspirations into lasting outcomes for all our peoples.

23 May 2025