St Kitts and Nevis to observe 50th CARICOM anniversary with a holiday

Basseterre, St Kitts and Nevis: The Government of St Kitts and Nevis has announced that it has decided to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of the CARICOM: Caribbean Community.

The decision has been lauded by the Prime Minister of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew and the Secretary General of CARICOM, Dr Carla Natalie Barnett.

The decision to declare July 4 as a National Holiday in 2023 was taken during the Forty-Fourth (44th) Regular Meeting of CARICOM Heads of Government in The Bahamas. As per the reports, the decision was adopted by all member States of the region.

The CARICOM Community will observe its 50th anniversary under the theme, ‘50 Years Strong: A Solid Foundation to Build on.’

According to the update shared by the government of St Kitts and Nevis, Dr Terrance Drew will deliver an official message which will be broadcasted on July 4 – CARICOM Day. The address can be listened to via traditional and social media platforms. PM Drew will shed light on the myriad of accomplishments of our flagship regional integration organisation, as per the reports.

The government has invited the general public of the Federation to come and learn about the legacy of CARICOM and its contribution towards regional and national development.

The Caribbean Community was formed after the Treaty of Chaguaramas was signed on July 4, 1973. The Founding Fathers of the Treaty were: PM of Barbados, Errol Barrow; PM of Guyana, Forbes Burnham; PM of Jamaica, Michael Manley; PM of Trinidad and Tobago, Eric Williams.

The CARICOM authorities have outlined that the 50th anniversary of the Caribbean Community will be hosted in the birthplace of Trinidad and Tobago on July 3 and 4, 2023. As per the schedule, the twin island will host the 45th Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government. Along with this, other activities such as digital exhibitions, cultural performances, and 5K and 10K road races will be organised.