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BELMOPAN, Mon. May 8, 2023

A high-level forum was held last Wednesday, May 3, at the Leigh Richardson Building to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The theme for the celebration is “50 years strong, a solid foundation to build on”.

Providing a historical context of CARICOM was Ambassador David Gibson. According to Ambassador Gibson, at their meeting in 1974, CARICOM’s Heads of Government were fully apprised of the situation of Belize with Guatemala. There were mounting pressures from the United Kingdom (and the US Government) for Belize to negotiate the ceding of land in the southern portion of the country to the Republic of Guatemala. Ambassador Gibson also noted that throughout 1976 Premier George Price explored the role of CARICOM in providing a post-independence defense pact for Belize.

Belizean experts spoke briefly on CARICOM’s positive impact on Belize. Educator Nelson Longsworth outlined the significant impact that the Caribbean Examination Council’s exams have had on our educational system. Mrs. Orla Kantun-Coleman also spoke about CARICOM’s foreign policy coordination—specifically how well it has done in coordinating its position as regards hemispheric issues.

Galen University’s Provost, Dr. Cynthia Eve Aird was invited to deliver the closing remarks at the high-level forum at the Directorate of Foreign Trade within the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade, and Immigration. The Provost was invited to speak on an aspect of CARICOM that she worked with and which has impacted Belize’s socio-economic development. She spoke about the 2001 establishment of the Caribbean Accreditation Agency for Education and Training, and the subsequent legislation to establish Belize’s National Accreditation Agency.

Dr. Aird highlighted the work the Association of Tertiary Level Institutions in Belize (ATLIB) has done in developing an ethos on quality assurance within the higher education community in Belize as it prepares for the impending establishment of the National Accreditation Council of Belize.

A post from Galen University claims that the establishment of the Caribbean Accreditation Agency for Education and Training and the accompanying obligation for all CARICOM member states to establish their accreditation agencies were meant to facilitate the free movement of goods and services within CARICOM through quality assurance in higher education across the Community.

CARICOM is a regional organization that aims to foster economic integration, cooperation, and development among its 15 member-states and 5 associate members. CARICOM was established in 1973 by the Treaty of Chaguaramas, which was revised in 2001 to include the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME). The CSME is a common market that allows for the free movement of goods, services, capital, and people within the region. The CSME also seeks to harmonize policies and standards on trade, investment, taxation, monetary affairs, education, health, and the environment.

One of the main achievements of CARICOM is the establishment of the Caribbean Court of Justice (CCJ), which is the final court of appeal for member states and also serves as a tribunal interpreting and applying the Revised Treaty of Chaguaramas. The CCJ hears both civil and criminal matters and can issue binding judgments and advisory opinions. The CCJ aims to promote the rule of law, human rights, and regional integration in the Caribbean.

In conclusion, CARICOM is a vital organization that contributes to the social, economic, and political development of the Caribbean region. CARICOM has achieved significant progress in advancing regional integration, strengthening institutions, promoting cooperation, and addressing common challenges. CARICOM continues to work towards achieving its vision of a unified Caribbean Community that is inclusive, resilient, competitive and prosperous.