The signing of the Treaty Chaguaramus on July 4, 1973, transformed the Caribbean Free Trade Area (CARIFTA) into the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The regions Heads of Government are in St. Lucia to celebrate CARICOM's silver anniversary and to write another chapter for the history books.

As the Caribbean Community, positions itself to ensure a secure and viable future, the experiences of the last 25 years, have show that cooperation is vital. The inclusion of Surinam and Haiti, will see CARICOM grow from a 6 million English Speaking entity, to a 15 million English, Dutch and French Speaking one.

To keep together an association of sovereign states on the same course, has proven to be quite a difficult task. However, in his address at the official opening ceremony of the 19th meeting of the conference of Heads of Government, CARICOM Secretary Edwin Carrington said that there is much to be proud of.

CARICOM Secretary Edwin Carrington - "Indeed the very fact that this community is 25 years old stamps it as one of the most enduring regional integration movements in the developing world... and in the world at large it is perhaps second only to the European Union."

As Prime Minister of Grenada the Hon. Dr. Keith Mitchell, prepared to pass on the Chairmanship of CARICOM, he underscored that importance of considering deeper links with Cuba, he also called on his colleagues to look seriously into the development the the region's principal resource, it people, focusing on training in informatics, and the application of science and technology to the economic development process. He had high praise for the staff at the CARICOM Secretariat. The region is involved in so many activities that it amazes some how the Secretariat is able to perform all of its functions with limited human resources.

Outgoing CARICOM Chairman, Hon. Dr. Keith Mitchell -"Theirs is a rather difficult task in a very difficult period. Yet they have consistently demonstrated the capacity to rise to the challenge. In my opinion there is obvious need to review the staffing situation at the Secretariat, to ensure timely and high quality output."

During the ceremony the tense political situation in Guyana did come up. CARICOM has had to deal with it since it developed after general elections in Guyana. After extensive consultation and dialogue the major players agreed to sign a peace accord, which will be discussed during the conference.

Masters of Ceremony - Kennedy "Boots" Samuel (in Black) & George "Fish" Alphonse (in white) kept the audience awake throughout the 51/2 hour ceremony, with their humor and wit.  They were even able put "The Guyana Agenda" on the table right there and then.

For the next six months, Prime Minister of St. Lucia, the Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony, CARICOM's Chairman. During the opening ceremony he acknowledge that it will be a challenge, but is one that he looks forward to take on, as have his predecessors.

CARICOM Chairman - the Hon. Dr. Kenny D. Anthony - "The rapidity of change and our capacity to adequately respond are pivotal to the task of shaping the future. CARICOM must develop a culture of decisive decision making and have the will to implement these decisions."

"Our people desperately want CARICOM to succeed, but if CARICOM is to succeed ... we, Heads of Government must believe in it, without reservation, without acrimony, without jealousy. We must believe in CARICOM, absolutely and with generosity of spirit."

After 25 years there is a lot to celebrate. During the ceremony several presentations interweaving praise and reflection.

 

Calypsonian Mary G (R) giving of a rendition of the CARICOM song.  With the song's composer Ronald "Boo" Hinkson (L on guitar).

The conference, provides an opportunity to exchange views on the future of the Caribbean Community. In pursuit of its dream for unity, CARICOM has had to face much anguish and confront many dilemmas, but has continued persistently to keep the dream alive.

During Tuesday's opening ceremony two protocols amending the Treaty of Chaguaramus were signed, thus bring CARICOM closer toward the realization of a Single Common Market (Protocol III - Industrial Policy,  and Protocol V - Agricultural Policy).

Despite its history of turbulence the Caribbean has emerged to become one of the most politically stable regions in the world.