David Burt is joining other Caribbean heads of state in Trinidad & Tobago this week – 50 years after an intergovernmental organisation was formed in the country.

One of the world’s oldest integration movements, the Caribbean Community is a political and economic organisation that promotes co-operation and development between countries in the area. It comprises 15 member states and five associate member countries.

The 45th annual Caricom Heads of Government Conference, a week-long event, began on Monday in the town of Chaguaramas, where a treaty that led to the organisation’s founding was signed in 1973.

This year also marks the 20th anniversary of when Bermuda joined the group as an associate member.

The Premier is accompanied at the conference by Progressive Labour Party MP Christopher Famous.

Mr Burt said Bermuda’s participation in the group helped the island “maintain strong cultural, economic and political ties with countries with similar backgrounds, fostering collaboration and mutual growth”.

He added that, since joining, Bermuda had fought for a greater voice for member states in regional affairs.

The Premier continued: “Our membership has expanded opportunities for Bermuda in various sectors, including sport, arts, science, public health and business, and has also facilitated sectoral collaborations in unions, energy, law, technology and technical training.

“In addition, Bermudians have access to exceptional educational opportunities through the esteemed University of the West Indies.”