The Caribbean Community (Caricom) did not discuss Bermuda's intention to join at a summit last week because the Island did not complete the application process.

A Caricom press release last week said preparations by Bermuda and the Cayman Islands to become associate members would be discussed at the organisation's Bureau of the Conference of Heads of Government meeting in Turks and Caicos.

But a Caricom spokesman said yesterday that the applications of both islands were not discussed because they did not forward formal applications complete with a copy of a letter from the British government giving permission to join.

Premier Jennifer Smith said last month that the Island has received permission from Britain, a letter of entrustment, but would not proceed towards associate membership until the issue has been debated in the House of Assembly.

Caricom press spokesman Leonard Robertson, speaking from Trinidad, told The Royal Gazette yesterday: "There was one step that Bermuda and the Cayman Islands had to do, and they didn't come to the meeting, which was a formal letter advising them that the British had given their permission to become associate members.

"Although it was understood that this permission had been given, there was no official documentation from either island, so it could not be discussed."

The Royal Gazette tried to contact Health Minister Nelson Bascome, who is in charge of assessing the viability of the Island joining Caricom, but was unable to do so.