Give CARICOM Day greater relevance

THE EDITOR, Sir:

Monday, July 2, was CARICOM Day. Regrettably, not many persons in Jamaica and, indeed, other parts of the region might have been aware of this commemoration of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM).

CARICOM Day was set aside by member states to commemorate all things CARICOM. CARICOM Day is officially July 4, to mark the anniversary of the signing of the original Treaty of Chaguaramas in 1973. It is now commonly celebrated on the first Monday in July. The CARICOM Heads of Government Conference is usually scheduled to coincide with CARICOM Day.

Interestingly, however, CARICOM Day seems to be observed in very few CARICOM countries. It is a public holiday in Guyana, where the CARICOM Secretariat is located. It apparently is also marked in Antigua & Barbuda, Barbados, and St Vincent & the Grenadines.

The fact that CARICOM Day seems to have little significance in Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago and other countries is a symptom of the malady affecting the regional integration process.

CARICOM Day, in its observance, should be a tool for public education through the schools, universities, public institutions such as libraries, and the media to promote understanding of the Community and its achievements.

Well, following this CARICOM Heads of Government Conference, maybe next year Jamaica and other CARICOM member states will think that CARICOM Day should be officially observed.

ELIZABETH MORGAN

Specialist in

International Trade