CARICOM: Building a Stronger, United Caribbean

One Rhythm, One Voice

Imagine standing in the middle of a Carnival parade in Port of Spain, the sound of steel pans clashing with the steady bass of soca music. Flags from across the Caribbean—Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados, Guyana, The Bahamas—wave together in a sea of color. In that moment, you realize something powerful: despite different accents, histories, and islands, we are one people moving to the same rhythm.

That same spirit of unity is what inspired the creation of CARICOM (the Caribbean Community and Common Market)—a bold vision to bring the Caribbean nations together under one voice, one destiny.

The Road to CARICOM: From Federation to Freedom

The idea of unity is not new.

1958–1962: The West Indies Federation was the first big step, an attempt to create one Caribbean nation. Though it didn’t last, it planted seeds of integration. 1965: CARIFTA (Caribbean Free Trade Association) brought nations together for free trade and economic cooperation. 1973: CARICOM was born through the Treaty of Chaguaramas, signed by Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad & Tobago. Unlike CARIFTA, CARICOM expanded beyond economics—embracing culture, security, and foreign policy.

The Four Pillars of CARICOM

CARICOM is built on four key pillars:

Economic Integration – Trade, jobs, and a single market. Foreign Policy Coordination – A united voice on the global stage. Human & Social Development – Education, health, and cultural ties. Security – Tackling crime, natural disasters, and peacekeeping.

CARICOM in Action: Achievements That Shape the Region

CSME (CARICOM Single Market & Economy): Launched in 2001, allowing free trade, services, and skilled movement. In 2023, CARICOM agreed to expand this to free movement for all nationals by 2024. CARICOM Development Fund: Supports smaller economies to stay competitive. Security Cooperation: The CARICOM Arrest Warrant Treaty and regional crime-fighting initiatives protect citizens. Disaster & Health Response: From hurricanes to COVID-19, CARICOM has coordinated aid and resilience. Global Advocacy: CARICOM has pushed for climate change justice and reparations for slavery, giving the region a stronger global voice.

Modern Relevance: A Community in Action

In July 2025, leaders met in Montego Bay, Jamaica, declaring a “war on gangs” to address rising violence, especially in Haiti. This showed the power of collective Caribbean action.

On the global stage, CARICOM has become a strong advocate for climate resilience, sustainable development, and social justice—issues that affect all Caribbean nations.

The Spirit of CARICOM: One People, One Destiny

CARICOM is more than treaties—it is lived every day.

A Jamaican nurse working in The Bahamas. A Grenadian student studying in Barbados. A Barbadian entrepreneur trading with St. Lucia.

Every exchange proves that when Caribbean people connect, we thrive.

The Call to Unity

The Caribbean’s future is brighter when we stand together. CARICOM is not just an institution—it’s a movement, a rhythm, a reminder that despite being many islands, we are one Caribbean people with one destiny.

Key Facts at a Glance

1958–1962: West Indies Federation 1965: CARIFTA established 1973: CARICOM created (Treaty of Chaguaramas) 2001: Revised Treaty forms CSME 2023: Free movement of all nationals approved for 2024 2025: Regional security and reparations advocacy