French Guiana becomes the eighth associate member of CARICOM after signing up as part of the bloc’s ongoing expansion beyond its traditional membership. Multiple outlets report that the territory signs on July 7, adding to CARICOM’s associate membership roster. The signing takes place during the Caribbean bloc’s 51st leaders’ summit in Gros Islet, Saint Lucia, which runs from July 5 to July 8. The announcement comes shortly after Martinique is seated among leaders in the regional grouping, as noted by one source. One report adds that French Guiana first applied to join CARICOM in 2012, describing the process as taking more than a decade before being completed. Together, the coverage indicates that CARICOM leadership events in Saint Lucia host the formalities of the new associate membership, marking a step in the territory’s relationship with the regional bloc.