Georgetown -The Caribbean Community (Caricom) today celebrates its 43th anniversary with a high-level conference to address the challenges the region faces with regards to sustainable development and economic stability. The talks will take place until Wednesday in Georgetown, capital of Guyana.

The 37th conference of heads of state and governments of the group will discuss the potential threats posed by the rupture of several international banks and the British exit of the European Union (EU).

According to economists, the Caribbean is not immune to the consequences of Brexit and leaders of Caricom will thoroughly evaluate the situation. Most of its member states were former British colonies and have the UK as a key ally in the EU.

During the talks, regional security will be discussed, such as the current situation of Haitian migrants in the Dominican Republic and the Guyana-Venezuela and Belize-Guatemala territorial disputes.

The common market of the community will also be analyzed: the strengthening of Caricom-Cuba relations; binding projects on energy, technological development and promotion of candidates for important international positions, as well as other cooperation agreements.

Just a few days ago the General Secretary, Irwin LaRocque, welcomed Nicaragua to the 'family of Caricom' and informed the members states that the group expects to sign a similar agreement with the president of Chile, Michelle Bachelet.

Founded in 1973 with the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas to replace the Caribbean Association of Free Trade, Caricom aims to promote the equitable and harmonious development of its members; coordinate policy and foreign trade and strengthen cooperation in the economic, agricultural, industrial, transportation and telecommunications sectors.

Its fifteen full members are Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Granada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines and Trinidad and Tobago.

Meanwhile Anguilla, Bermuda, British Virgin Islands, Cayman Islands and Turks and Caicos, participate in forums as associates.