1974 – Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Established

On May 30, 1974, CARICOM was officially established as a successor to the Caribbean Free Trade Association (CARIFTA), ushering in a new era of regional cooperation among English-speaking Caribbean nations. The treaty laid the foundation for economic integration, foreign policy coordination, and shared social programs among nations with deep histories of African enslavement and resistance. CARICOM became a powerful symbol of Black regional diplomacy and Pan-Caribbean solidarity. The bloc has since taken strong stances on global justice, reparations, and climate change. May 30 marks a historic moment where formerly colonized nations forged a cooperative framework rooted in sovereignty, shared identity, and mutual development. CARICOM continues to amplify the Caribbean’s voice on the world stage, advocating for the interests of small, majority-Black nations. Its creation on this day remains a blueprint for regional power among post-colonial states with common cultural and political challenges.