Photo: CARICOM Exhibition
by Kristen Ku
BELMOPAN, Fri. June 30, 2023
On Thursday, June 29, a CARICOM at 50 Exhibition was held at the National Heritage Library, located in Belmopan.
The event, held under the theme “50 Years Strong: A Solid Foundation to Build On,” is a celebration of the Caribbean Community’s (CARICOM) five decades of progress and unity; there was also a special focus on Belize’s contributions to this regional alliance.
The exhibition thus provided a vivid depiction of CARICOM’s history and Belize’s place within it.
A wealth of historical items, photographs of key figures, records of crucial contributions, and foundational treaty documents were all on display.
Feline Cayetano, the acting principal librarian of Belize’s National Library Service and Information System, spoke about the importance of the exhibition.
“This exhibit basically shows the start of CARICOM and the different member countries. It highlights a little bit about Belize’s role, but not as much; because next year we will have another exhibit called, ‘Belize in CARICOM at 50’. Next year, early May marks the 50th anniversary of Belize’s participation in CARICOM,” she shared in an interview.
According to current records, since 2013, less than 600 non-Belizean CARICOM nationals have worked in Belize. Yet, their influence and integration in Belize’s creative arts and other sectors are significant, demonstrating the vibrant exchange within the CARICOM community.
“Regional integration became necessary; at this very moment it’s even a life-threatening situation, in that climate change is upon us. So, all of this knowledge that we compile and all of the advocacy that we do together, all the cultural promotion that we do together, have a greater impact than if we do them country by country,” added Cayetano, who emphasized the crucial role of Belize in CARICOM.
Tricia Gideon, CSME Focal Point at the Directorate General for Foreign Trade, also highlighted CARICOM’s wide-reaching influence. “Many people have this misconception that CARICOM is only trade, but CARICOM infiltrates every area of our life. CARICOM is our culture, our food, our music, our art. It’s in our intellectual property. It is in the way we perceive the world, and we’ve been part of this integration process for 50 years,” she explained.
The Directorate General for Foreign Trade plays a key role in aligning Belize’s trade agreements with CARICOM’s policies, procedures and obligations. To promote a deeper understanding of CARICOM’s relevance, the directorate is promoting more public consultations and non-trade activities.
During the exhibition, attendees received historical background materials, as well as pictures capturing pivotal moments for the regional body over the last nine years, and CARICOM Week banners.
The CARICOM at 50 Exhibition will remain open to the public for two months, from 9:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on weekdays and 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Saturdays.
“The intention is to take it to different libraries so all Belizeans get to read these founding documents, get to see some of the publications that CARICOM published over the years, and especially highlight some of the personalities, Belizeans who have done great things within CARICOM,” Cayetano said.
As Belize gears up to celebrate its 50th year as a CARICOM member in 2024, events like this offer a valuable opportunity for Belizeans to understand their country’s vital role in this regional alliance and its impact on their daily lives.