Antigua and Barbuda, through the Office of the National Authorizing Officer, recognized the 50th Anniversary of CARICOM This year, under the theme “50 Years Strong: A Solid Foundation to Build on.” On June 27th, a flag-raising ceremony took place at the Prime Minister’s office.
CARICOM was established on July 4, 1973, with the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas by the Founding Fathers, Prime Ministers Errol Barrow for Barbados; Forbes Burnham for Guyana, Michael Manley for Jamaica; and Dr. Eric Williams for Trinidad and Tobago.
The Prime Minister Honourable Gaston Browne’s remarks yesterday morning, he stated that our integration movement is indeed a tremendous accomplishment and today’s ceremony serves to acknowledge its significance at the highest level within our local setting. While the official date of commemoration is 4th July 2023, Hon. Gaston Browne will be in Trinidad with other colleague Heads, as we converge for the 45th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM. On that occasion, there will be a series of engaging and inclusive activities, providing an important opportunity to reflect on the history, achievements, and bold steps taken over the last 50 years.
The activities to mark the golden jubilee include digital exhibitions in the Member States; the 45th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM; cultural performances and 10K road race; the Secretary-General’s Regional Visual Arts Competition for primary and Secondary Schools in Member States; the CARICOM Chairman’s Debating Competition for Higher Education Institutions in Member States; and an Entrepreneurial Competition for Innovative Ideas from the youth of the Community.
On Tuesday 27th June, a flag raising ceremony was held at the Office of the Prime Minister of Antigua & Barbuda to kick off local celebrations commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). Our local commemorative event forms part of a larger regional effort to celebrate the success of our integration movement.
Key messages touched upon the need to celebrate CARICOM’s achievements in regional integration, recognizing the work of titans who with determination and foresight have laid the foundation for the continued growth of our regional body. Secretary General of CARICOM Dr Carla Barnett in her pre-recorded remarks credited CARICOM’s longevity to a commitment which has been “nurtured decade after decade by the steel determination of successive governments and the people of the region”. Prime Minister Hon. Gaston Browne in his speech also recognized the need to continue to strengthen the integration movement to confront challenges faced by Less Developed Countries (LDCs) and move towards a single economy.
Distinguished guests included Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade & Barbuda Relations Hon. E.P Chet Greene, Antigua & Barbuda’s Youth CARICOM Ambassadors, Pia Nichols and Esquire Henry, members of the Diplomatic Corps in Antigua & Barbuda, and other relevant senior officials within the Ministries of Trade and Foreign Affairs.
Yesterday’s engagement took place in anticipation of the departure of Prime Minister Hon. Gaston Browne and Ambassador to CARICOM H.E Dr. Clarence Henry. A delegation from Antigua & Barbuda will attend the 45th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of CARICOM in Trinidad and Tobago where the Original Treaty of Chaguaramas was signed on the 4th of July 1973, what is officially marked as CARICOM Day.
This period is also an excellent opportunity for reflection and education. As such, on Friday 30th June, Prime Minister Hon. Gaston Browne will present on the subject of Services, his designated portfolio within the CARICOM Quasi cabinet. The Office of the National Authorizing Officer (ONAO) will continue to facilitate and support future engagements throughout the year, both locally and regionally, to boost public awareness and hold necessary discussions regarding how individual states united in one CARICOM can continue to push the region forward.
