The Regional Cooperation Fund Seminar was held on Wednesday April 16, 2025 in Fort-de-France, in the Salle Félix Éboué at the prefecture. On the theme of “Porteurs de projets et diplomatie” (“Project carriers and diplomacy”), this event hosted by Marie-Marthe Bredas brought together a panel of diplomats, institutional representatives, researchers and players in the field to discuss a major issue : how to intensify cooperation between Martinique and the countries of the Caribbean, in a context that is sometimes complex, but rich in opportunities?
A strategic meeting place for project developers
A theme focused on active diplomacy and cooperation
This morning of exchanges highlighted the essential role of diplomacy in supporting local initiatives on the international stage. The key word of this Regional Cooperation Fund Seminar was clear: the Caribbean. All eyes were on this region, which is both geographically and culturally close to us, but still too little explored by Martinique’s project leaders.
A solid organization supported by local and national institutions
Jointly organized by the Prefecture, the Collectivité Territoriale de Martinique (CTM), the “Secrétariat Général pour les Affaires Régionales” (SGAR) and FCR partners, the Regional Cooperation Fund Seminar began at 8:45am with a warm welcome, followed by opening remarks from the Prefect or his representative, and a representative of the CTM. The aim? To give concrete impetus to regional cooperation in the Caribbean.
A wide range of speakers to shed light on Caribbean issues
Voices from diplomacy and the field
Keynote speakers included Bernard Regnauld-Fabre, Diplomatic Advisor to the Prefect, Christiane Bourgeois, COCAC at the French Embassy in Saint Lucia, Allison Joseph, Saint Lucia’s Consul General for the West Indies and French Guiana, and Mark Frampton, Dominica’s Honorary Consul for Martinique. Each shared his or her concrete experience of cooperation with the Caribbean, emphasizing the subtleties of protocol, the networks to be mobilized, but also the opportunities to be seized.
Complementarity between academic expertise, public action and consular representation
Justin Daniel, political scientist and professor of political science, offered a geopolitical perspective, outlining the influence games underway in the area, the persistent tensions, but also the logics of regional solidarity. His lucid yet committed analysis reminded us that the Caribbean is a strategic area for Martinique, in terms of diplomacy, economic development and cultural identity.
Cooperation with the Caribbean : complex but promising realities
Clearly identified obstacles
Yes, cooperation with the Caribbean is not always straightforward. Speakers from Regional Cooperation Fund Seminar have highlighted administrative hurdles, unfamiliarity with schemes, the diversity of political systems, language barriers and difficulties in mobilizing funds. But all agree: these challenges can be overcome with better coordination of local players and a strong political will.
But a shared desire to strengthen ties
Despite these challenges, one strong conviction emerged: it’s worth working with the Caribbean. All speakers, without exception, reaffirmed their attachment to this regional space. For them, the Caribbean is not just a strategic neighborhood, it’s a community of destinies, and above all a privileged field of action for Martinique’s diplomacy. Regional Cooperation Fund Seminar contributed to the emergence of this collective awareness.
Why does Martinique need to become more firmly rooted in its regional environment?
Leveraging membership of regional organizations
Patricia Telle, elected member of the CTM and Chair of the Regional Cooperation Commission, emphasized the importance of regional integration through Martinique’s membership of organizations such as the OECS (Organization of Eastern Caribbean States) and the ACS (Association of Caribbean States). These structures are platforms that enable Martinique’s project leaders to express themselves, innovate and collaborate. Regional Cooperation Fund Seminar reinforced the idea that these memberships should be valorized and better exploited.
Sandra Drouault also presented the CTM’s actions to promote better understanding and exchanges with other Caribbean territories.
A driving force for project developers
In this sense, the Regional Cooperation Fund Seminar supported in particular by the AFD (Agence Française de Développement) and the prefecture, appears to be a central tool. It enables us to finance concrete cooperation projects with neighboring countries. The Caribbean needs the commitment of those who want to turn ideas into action.
The Caribbean is not a distant horizon. It’s right here. And the time to act is now. The Regional Cooperation Fund Seminar by bringing together high-level experts and those with experience, reminded us that despite the constraints, working with the Caribbean remains not only possible, but profoundly strategic. It’s now up to Martinique’s players to build on this momentum and give life to a territorial diplomacy that’s bold, modern and rooted in its natural basin. FCR is one of the mechanisms set up to encourage exchanges between Caribbean territories.
