REMEMBER
The story didn't begin here — and it didn't end there.
Identity, history, reconnection.
Bermuda's connection to the Caribbean is not new. It is rooted in shared history, culture, family ties, and institutions shaped by the same Atlantic journey and colonial past.
Bermuda joined CARICOM as an Associate Member in 2003. Today's conversation recognises bonds that have always existed — and asks how they should be honoured going forward.
"This is not about becoming something new. It is about remembering what has always been true."
Bermuda's CARICOM Relationship Timeline
Bermudians establish salt trade with Turks Islands
Bermuda begins systematic salt production in the uninhabited Turks Islands, creating the first formal economic relationship between Bermuda and the Caribbean basin.
Bermuda becomes Atlantic maritime hub
Bermudian-built sloops dominate Caribbean trade routes. Roughly 1,000 ships built in Bermuda during the 18th century, largely by enslaved craftsmen, connecting Bermuda to West Indian ports.
First permanent Bermudian settlement in Turks Islands
Bermuda sends 500 settlers (including enslaved persons) to establish permanent presence, creating family and economic ties that persist today.
Emancipation in Bermuda
Bermuda and Antigua become the first British colonies to enact full emancipation, with the Turks Islands freeing over 1,900 enslaved persons.
West Indies Federation
Ten British Caribbean territories (including Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados, and St. Kitts-Nevis), from which many Bermudian families trace their roots, joined to form the West Indies Federation — an early attempt at regional unity that laid the groundwork for CARICOM.
West Indian Association of Bermuda founded
Founded by John Evans (Trinidad-born) and Dame Lois Browne-Evans. A formal organisation recognising the Caribbean community in Bermuda; demonstrates deep cultural ties.
Bermuda Day established (May 24th) partly in response to Pitt Report
A cultural celebration paralleling Caribbean national days.
Bermuda obtains "Observer" status in CARICOM
Observer status allowed Bermuda to attend and participate in certain CARICOM ministerial discussions but without voting rights.
Bermuda's provisional application for Associate Membership considered by CARICOM Heads of Government
This enabled negotiations toward Associate Membership to begin.
Public discussion paper released on Associate Membership and the outcomes of public consultation
The paper was published following the 2001 Throne Speech commitment to produce a paper for debate, summarises consultation, and frames the upgrade from Observer to Associate membership.
Premier Jennifer Smith announces Bermuda's application for Associate Membership
Formal launch point which included public consultation.
Bermuda becomes an Associate Member of CARICOM
CARICOM lists Bermuda's Associate Membership date as July 2, 2003, and the accession was formally acknowledged by the Heads of Government.
UK "entrustment" letter issued covering CARICOM/regional arrangements
An entrustment letter, requested by the OBA Administration (signed by UK Minister James Duddridge), granted general authority to Bermuda to negotiate/conclude agreements with regional organisations, including CARICOM, PAHO, ECLAC, and CARPHA.
Premier raises full membership with UK Minister and Governor Lalgie
Bilateral meetings advanced the discussion of a future full membership application and UK support for beginning the process.
Government of Bermuda notifies CARICOM that Bermuda will seek Full Membership
Initial outreach to the CARICOM Secretary-General to advise that the Throne Speech will confirm Bermuda's pursuit of full membership, and to request information on the conditions and process for membership.
Formal parliamentary statement: Government pursuing full CARICOM membership
Public statement outlining benefits experienced under associate status and confirmed outreach to Government House/UK to begin the formal process and clarify entrustment requirements.
UK entrustment letter specific to negotiating full membership
The Feb 20, 2024 entrustment letter, signed by Minister Rutley, delegated authority and set conditions for Bermuda to negotiate full membership.
Premier confirms entrustment and intent to notify CARICOM Secretariat at Heads meeting
During the 46th Heads of Government Meeting in Guyana, the Government announced it would inform CARICOM and that the Minister of Home Affairs (Hon. Walter Roban) would commence consultation and preparatory discussions.
Bermuda participates in the CARICOM Heads of Government Meeting
Premier Burt attended the 48th Heads of Government meeting in Barbados.
Bermuda participates in the 2nd Africa–CARICOM Summit
Bermuda on behalf of all Associate members sought to be permitted to join the Africa-CARICOM Summit. Bermuda was designated as an Observer, and was asked to leave during the plenary discussion.
CARICOM Legal Affairs Committee (LAC) reviews Bermuda's candidacy
The LAC reviewed Bermuda's candidacy and presented clarifying questions on Bermuda's ability to participate in certain areas of the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas (RTC).
UK provides guidance on Bermuda's ability to sign the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas
Following a request from Bermuda in October 2025, the UK Government issued a formal letter clarifying that Bermuda's status as a British Overseas Territory (see Chapter 1).
Premier David Burt and Minister of Home Affairs attend the 50th Heads of Government Meeting in Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis
Bermuda was represented alongside all other Associate Members at the 50th Heads of Government Meeting. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio attended the Conference on 25 February — the first such visit to a CARICOM Heads meeting in a decade. Bermuda's candidacy for full membership was discussed as part of the meeting agenda, with concerns raised about the extent to which Bermuda could be classified as a full member given the constitutional restrictions on the ability to participate in all treaty provisions.