CARICOM at 50, is cause for celebration and an inspiration to achieve full political union during its next 50 years, says Prime Minister Browne

PORT-OF-SPAIN – Trinidad and Tobago – 4th July 2023 —  “CARICOM at 50, is cause for celebration and an inspiration to achieve full political union during its next 50 years.”

Those were the words of Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, the Hon. Gaston Browne in his statement marking the 50thh Anniversary of the creation of CARICOM on Tuesday 4th July while attending the 45th Conference of Heads of the Community here.

Prime Minister Browne noted that the occasion must also be cause for inspiring the region to achieve one Caribbean nation, in which lies the salvation of all; as one people, with a common destiny.

“Work remains to be done; let us strengthen our commitment to achieving a robust, resilient and sustainable integration movement that will improve the living standards and self actualization objectives of us all,” he said.

Reflecting on the many successes of CARICOM, Prime Minister Browne said that the aim of the grouping has also been and remain a region united and strong; a region reflective of the one identity of the Caribbean people; and a region that, in the expression of its creativity and innovation, is respected in the world.

He pointed out that during its 50 years, events have occurred that deflected succeeding generations from achieving that ultimate goal of a perfect union.

The 50th anniversary of CARICOM, he said, “Should not be divorced from its place in the continuum of Caribbean striving for the betterment, upliftment and development of the Caribbean region and its people.”

“CARICOM has been a vital vehicle for the deepening of Caribbean integration, and it must continue to be the chariot that we will ride to greater goals in regional transportation – by both air and sea- which are imperative for bonding our one Caribbean homeland.

It must also be the machinery by which we achieve food security; climate security; and the empowerment of all our people by tearing down the barriers to their growth and prosperity, through the creation of a Single Market and Economy,” stated Prime Minister Browne.

We produce below in full, the text of the Hon. Gaston Browne’s statement on the occasion of the 50th Anniversary of the creation of CARICOM.