CARICOM Celebrates 50th Anniversary, Belize Participates in CARICOM at 50 Exhibit

CARICOM, the twenty-member of block of countries in the region which Belize is a part of is celebrating its 50th anniversary on July 4. The event is so momentous that many countries will mark the occasion with a public and bank holiday. Although Belize has opted out of taking the day off, the country has found other ways to express CARICOM solidarity, such as the launch of the CARICOM at 50 exhibit going on display at the National Heritage Library in Belmopan tomorrow. Belize’s own Dr. Carla Barnett, Secretary General of CARICOM, speaking at the CARICOM at 50 Symposium hosted by the University of the West Indies earlier this year, event explained how the cooperation between nations benefits the region.

As a group CARICOM has collaborated on the establishment of a several entities for the advancement of areas such as education, emergency management and health. Barnett said that these successes were achieved through the four pillars which the community was founded upon.

CARICOM was established in 1973 via the Treaty of Chaguaramas. The community has 15 member nations and five associate member states. The 50th anniversary celebration will be held in Trinidad and Tobago from July third to July fifth.