The Caribbean Consular Corps in Toronto joined together on Monday, July 6, 2026, to commemorate the 53rd Anniversary of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) with a Flag Raising Ceremony hosted at the Consulate General of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago in Toronto.

The ceremony brought together members of the diplomatic and consular corps, government representatives, community members, and distinguished guests in recognition of the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, which established CARICOM and continues to serve as a foundation for regional cooperation, unity, and shared progress.

Ms. Gail Christian, Chair of the Caribbean Consular Corps and Consul General of Antigua and Barbuda in Toronto, delivered remarks reflecting on the enduring importance of Caribbean unity, peace, and the contributions of the diaspora.

In her address, Ms. Christian noted that “long before there was a CARICOM, there were already CARICOM people — living the integration their governments had not yet dared to sign.” She further reflected that the CARICOM flag stands as “a promise from fifteen nations to their people, that wherever life carries us, we are not cut loose.”

The ceremony served as a meaningful reminder of the strong bonds shared among Caribbean nations and their people, both within the region and across the diaspora. It also highlighted the continued role of Caribbean communities in Canada in preserving culture, strengthening relationships, and advancing the spirit of regional togetherness.

As CARICOM marks 53 years, the occasion reaffirmed the importance of cooperation, friendship, and shared identity among Caribbean nations and their communities around the world.

Happy CARICOM Day.