CARICOM Turns 50

Today (Tuesday 4th July, 2023), regional leaders gathered at the Convention Centre, Chaguaramas to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, which established the Caribbean Community, CARICOM.

During the Official Flag Raising Ceremony, Prime Minister Dr. the Hon Keith Rowley in his remarks said “Our accomplishments in CARICOM have been many. CARICOM has used the foundation laid by the four pillars of regional integration namely functional cooperation, the coordination of foreign policy, security collaboration and economic integration to build a home where we can find refuge, where all of us can find refuge and purpose.”

He said, “CARICOM has had to contend with its own limitations. Limitations that are built into its design given that we are sovereign states free to choose our own policies and pursue our own goals there have been times when in the last fifty years these limitations have challenged us and still, here we are today a family of nations replete with the wisdom that comes from facing those challenges head-on, we are stronger together. So, as we take stock of the last fifty years and look with anticipation towards the next fifty, let us do so knowing that whatever divides us will never be bigger than that which unites us.”

At today’s ceremony, the Heads of Government signed a letter which was placed into a special time capsule. The letter, which is addressed to their successors, will be opened in 50 years. Regional Leaders also planted poui trees in commemoration of this significant milestone.