Treaty of Chaguaramas

The Treaty of Chaguaramas established the Caribbean Community and Common Market, known as CARICOM. It was signed on 4 July 1973 in Chaguaramas, Trinidad and Tobago, by Barbados, Guyana, Jamaica, and Trinidad and Tobago. The treaty came into effect on 1 August 1973 and replaced the Caribbean Free Trade Association, which ended on 1 May 1974.

Besides helping with trade and money matters, the treaty also talked about working together on world issues and other important projects. A new version of the treaty was signed in 2001, which created the Caribbean Single Market and Economy. This helped countries in the area work even closer together.

Oath

The countries that signed the Treaty of Chaguaramas promised to work together to help each other grow and succeed. They wanted to make their economies stronger by working closely with each other, making sure trade and jobs were fair for everyone, and helping each other in many ways.

They also talked about how important it is to share resources and help each other, especially the smaller countries that might find it harder to compete. They agreed to create fair rules and support systems to make sure everyone had a chance to succeed. They believed that by working together, they could build a stronger future for all their people.

CARICOM Day

CARICOM Day is celebrated on the first Monday in July in Guyana to remember the signing of an important agreement. In Cuba, they observe CARICOM-Cuba Day on December 8 to honor the friendly relationship between the Caribbean Community and Cuba.