CARICOM was formed in 1973 and then comprised the ten English speaking islands of the former British West Indies Federation. Since that time, the Community has largely concentrated on the economic integration and promotion of member states, as well as the coordination of a unified foreign policy. It has also brought about reform regarding various social issues. Since its inception, the organisation has grown to 15 states including French and Dutch speaking islands.

The addition of Bermuda brings the number of associate states to a total of five along with the Cayman Islands, British Virgin Islands, Turks and Caicos and Anguilla. Currently, the full members are: Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominican Republic, Guyana, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Montserrat, St Kitts and Nevis, St Lucia, Suriname, St Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago.

In a bid to raise the profile of CARICOM on the international stage, a series of meetings are being planned in the coming weeks with representatives of various global organisations and heads of state. Among these will be the South African President Thabo Mbeki, Secretary General of the Commonwealth Don McKinnon; director general of the WTO Suppachai Panitchpakdi; and secretary general of the Organisation of American States Cesar Gaviria.

The upcoming CARICOM conference is of particular significance, as it marks the 30th anniversary of the organisation's creation. Various lectures and other activities are planned to celebrate this event.