Fourth of July is a special day for us in the Caribbean Community!
On 4 July 1973, four visionary Caribbean leaders met in Chaguaramas to sign what would become known as the Treaty of Chaguaramas which gave birth to the Caribbean Community known as CARICOM.
The Prime Ministers of Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica and Trinidad & Tobago signed this foundational Treaty.
Historically, Chaguaramas was an American military base during the World War II. The Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago at that time, Dr. Eric Williams, insisted that the base be returned to T&T.
It is no coincidence that the Treaty of Chaguaramas was signed on 4 July on this former occupied space. The date also coincided with the birth date of Former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Norman Washington Manley, as a tribute to his regional vision.
Today we celebrate CARICOM Day in a special way serving as a bridge across language barriers during the 50th anniversary festivities being held in Trinidad.
Interpreting Your Needs is pleased to partner with Caribbean Bridges to bring greetings in French and Kreyol to the French-speaking Caribbean CARICOM citizens. It is timely to remember that Haiti is the largest CARICOM Member State by virtue of its 12 million people. Haiti acceded to CARICOM on 3 July 2002.
