CARICOM Celebrates 50th Anniversary with Commemorative Events

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is celebrating its 50th anniversary today.  The community, made up of 15 member countries and five associate countries, has had a series of activities leading up to this day when the most symbolic events were held.  This morning, CARICOM’s Heads of Government convened at Chaguaramas, Trinidad, where the treaty was first signed in 1973.  Additionally, a time capsule was secured with signatures from all heads of states.  The plan is to have the time capsule opened fifty years from now.  In some CARICOM countries, today is being observed as a public and bank holiday in commemoration of the community’s 50th anniversary.  The holiday is a one-off event, and is being observed by St Kitts and Nevis, Grenada, Antigua and Barbuda, among other member states.  Belize is among several that have chosen not to declare a public and bank holiday today