Basseterre, Saint Kitts and Nevis,July 5, 2023 (Press Secretary, PMO) – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Heads of Government returned to Trinidad and Tobago, the venue of the historic signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, for the 45th Regular Meeting and to launch a year of celebrations to mark its 50th Anniversary.
The agenda for the Meeting tackled several major issues affecting the region, including food security, climate change, climate finance, the ongoing Haiti difficulties, security issues, international relations, and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy (CSME).
On Tuesday, 4 July, the 50th Anniversary commemorative ceremony featured a Flag Raising event; the planting of a Time Capsule, and addresses by the CARICOM Chairman, Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica, Hon. Roosevelt Skerrit, and host of the Conference and Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago, Hon. Keith Rowley.
Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Hon. Dr. Terrance Drew, took the opportunity to meet with several Regional Heads and international delegates to discuss the Federation’s Sustainable Island State Agenda and opportunities for collaboration and strengthening relations.
During the business session, representatives of foreign governments and heads of international organizations paid special tributes to CARICOM in honour of the milestone.
Regional cultural artistes also paid tribute in song, dance, steel band music, and other art forms during the CARICOM 50th Anniversary Concert. Mr. Kervin “Infamus” Benjamin, Musical Ambassador to the Ministry of Sports and Creative Economy represented Saint Kitts and Nevis performing his popular tribute to the Federation “Love St. Kitts Bad” at the Anniversary Concert.
Saint Kitts and Nevis joined the CARICOM Experience with a Food Fair and Cultural Entertainment on CARICOM Day at the Independence Square in the Federation’s capital, Basseterre, while live streaming the CARICOM Anniversary Concert. The Saint Kitts and Nevis CARICOM Experience featured a wide range of dishes, crafts, and delicacies, from various CARICOM countries and live cultural performances, and entertainment from popular local acts including Dejour and Erica Edwards.
