Grade Six Social Studies
Hello Boys and Girls,
We continue this week learning about the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). We will identify the flag of the Caribbean Community and learn about its significance, then we will examine how CARICOM works to achieve its objectives.
Below is the flag of CARICOM. This flag was first flown in Nassau, Bahamas on July 4, 1984, when the Heads of Government had their fifth meeting. Like our Golden Arrowhead, this flag has colours which represent several different things. Let us describe the flag. What do you notice about its design and colours? The colours of the flag are light blue, dark blue, green, yellow and black.
- The flag has a blue background
- The upper section in light blue represents the sky.
- The lower section in dark blue represents the Caribbean Sea.
- The yellow circle in the centre represents the sun.
- The narrow green ring around the sun represents the vegetation
(plants, trees, and flowers) of the Caribbean Region.
- On the sun are two interlocking Cs in black. They represent the logo of CARICOM. The two Cs are in the form of broken links in a chain. This symbolises both unity and a break from colonial past.
How does the Caribbean Community work?
In order to achieve its objectives and function effectively, CARICOM has a structure of governance which it works through. This includes Organs, Bodies, Institutions and a Secretariat.
Organs of CARICOM
The Organs are the decision making councils of CARICOM, responsible for key policy areas as set out by the Treaty of Chaguaramas.
The Principal Organs
1. Conference of Heads of Government (Conference): This is the supreme or highest decision-making organ of the Community. It is comprised of Governments of the 15 member states – Executive Presidents of Guyana and Suriname, Chief Minister of Montserrat, and Prime Ministers of the other twelve member states. This governing body determines and decides on the policies of the Community. In addition to this function, it has the final authority or last word for settling treaties and entering into relationships with international organisation and states.
2.
The community Council of Ministers (The Council): This is CARICOM’s second highest Organ. It is comprised of Ministers of Government from each member state. These Ministers are responsible for CARICOM’s affairs, such as developing strategic plans and organising in areas of economic integration and functional cooperation.
Secondary Organs
These are the Ministers Council. They assist or support the Principal Organs. CARICOM has five of these organs. They are: i. The Council for finance and planning (COFAP), which deals with economic policy and financial and monetary integration of member states. ii. The Council for Foreign and Community Relations (CONFCOR),
which determines the relationship between the Community and international organisations and other states. iii. The Council for Human and Social Development (COHSOD), which is responsible for human and social development. iv. The Council for Trade and Economic Development(COTED), which encourages trade and economic development of the
Community and looks over the operations of CARICOM Single Market and Economy
(CSME)
The Council for National Security and Law
Enforcement (CONSLE), which has the responsibility for coordinating the nature of security and ensuring the safety and stability of the Community. v.
Bodies
i.
The Legal Affairs Committee (LAC) is comprised of AttorneysGeneral and Ministers of Legal Affairs. It provides the CARICOM’s Organs and Bodies with legal advice.
The Budget Committee examines the Secretariat’s draft budget and work programmes and makes recommendations to the Community Council. iii. The Committee of Central Bank Governors provides recommendations to CONFAP on monetary and financial matters. iv. The CARICOM Committee of Ambassadors (CCA) serves to put
into effect the strategic plan of the Community. ii.
The CARICOM Secretariat
The CARICOM Secretariat, located at Liliendaal/Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana, is the principal Administrative Organ of CARICOM. This important organ is headed by a Secretary-General, Ambassador Irwin LaRocque. He is also the Chief Executive Officer of the Community. The Secretary-General works with a team of administrative and technical staff. Together, they provide a wide range of services and technical assistance to promote and deepen the integration of all the member countries of the Caribbean Community. The following are some of the services provided by the Secretariat.
● Research and development
● Technical assistance and servicing of meetings of Organs and
Bodies
● Developing and managing projects
● Sharing of important and relevant information to member states ● Assisting Community Organs in developing and implementing proposals and programmes
Organising the activities of donor agencies and international, regional and national institutions
●
Exercise
1.
Name the non-English-speaking members of CARICOM and state their official language.
2. When is CARICOM Day celebrated in Guyana? 3. The main policies of CARICOM are decided by _____________. 4. CARICOM was established by _______________________. 5. The CARICOM member in Central America is_______________.
Goodbye boys and girls! Stay safe and healthy!