In April 2023, the Institute of International Relations (IIR) at UWI St Augustine collaborated with the CARICOM Secretariat to host the symposium CARICOM at 50 in celebration of the anniversary of the regional body’s creation. The symposium is one of several commemorative events planned for the occasion.
Spanning 20 nations and housing approximately 16 million citizens, CARICOM’s journey began on July 4, 1973 when regional leaders Errol Barrow (Barbados), Forbes Burnham (Guyana), Michael Manley (Jamaica), and Dr Eric Williams (Trinidad and Tobago) joined forces in signing the transformative Treaty of Chaguaramas.
The symposium, held on Friday, April 14 at the St Augustine campus, delved into 50 years of CARICOM history. Among the many distinguished participants were Minister of Foreign and CARICOM Affairs of Trinidad and Tobago Senator Amery Browne, and Faculty of Social Sciences Dean Dr Acolla Lewis Cameron.
Dr Carla Barnett, CARICOM’s Secretary General, updated participants on CARICOM’s objectives and actions considering the shifting international environment and the challenges the Caribbean faces – climate change, economic instability, and international disputes.
In her opening remarks, Dr Annita Montoute, Interim Director of the IIR, highlighted the transformative impact of such events, fuelling public engagement, the sharing of knowledge, and improvements in policy.
The symposium gathered distinguished Caribbean scholars and representatives in two panels – “CARICOM’s Experiences: Achievement and Lessons” and “Looking Ahead: Prospects and the Way Forward”. They reflected on CARICOM’s achievements as well as challenges in meeting its strategic objective to advance Caribbean development and economic integration.
For more information about the Institute of International Relations and its activities, visit https://sta.uwi.edu/iir/ .
