A Brief History of CARICOM

The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is a regional organization established to promote economic integration, cooperation, and development among its member states. It was founded on July 4, 1973, with the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas by four nations: Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago.

Logo Taken from caricom.org

CARICOM evolved from earlier regional efforts, including the West Indies Federation (1958–1962) and the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA), which sought to foster unity and trade among Caribbean nations. The establishment of CARICOM marked a broader vision, emphasizing not only economic collaboration but also shared approaches to social, cultural, and foreign policy challenges.

The organization expanded over time to include 15 full member states, including smaller islands and mainland nations in the Caribbean Basin. Its key achievements include the creation of the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME), aimed at allowing the free movement of goods, services, capital, and labor.

CARICOM also fosters cooperation in areas such as health, education, disaster response, and climate change, reflecting the shared interests and vulnerabilities of the region. Today, CARICOM remains a critical platform for advancing regional integration and representing the collective voice of the Caribbean on the global stage.