Dear Sir/Madam,

An annual Caribbean Day is observed on 30^th June. Groups and individuals in the Caribbean and abroad have independently organized appropriate celebrations.

Feel free to inform any organisations, friends and interested persons.

Thanks for your co-operation as we seek to strengthen our bonds of friendship in the region and abroad.

Respectfully,

Jerome Teelucksingh

CARIBBEAN DAY

JUNE 30th

The goal of observing an annual Caribbean Day on June 30th is two‑fold. Firstly, to achieve Caribbean unity in the region; secondly, for the Caribbean diaspora residing abroad to unite. At the regional level, Governments, organizations and the local population are participating. Also, on the international stage, West Indian and Caribbean businesses, newspapers and institutions are invited to celebrate Caribbean Day.

Undoubtedly, there is need for greater political, economic and social harmony in the Caribbean region. Apart from a few conferences and occasional meetings, Caribbean unity is strictly limited. The movement for a unified region must be ongoing and able to reach the mass of the Caribbean people. Hopefully, the Caribbean diaspora would be able to use this special day to forge stronger bonds among the islands and the circum‑Caribbean region.

We have manifold differences but one common bond ‑‑our Caribbean heritage. It is unchangeable and we must be proud to be West Indian. Our public and religious festivals and celebrations are unique and our nationals have earned the respect and admiration of millions around the world. The Caribbean diaspora are unofficial ambassadors of our culture as evident in annual celebrations such as Caribana in Toronto, Labor Day in New York, Notting Hill in England and Carnival festivities in Miami and Australia. 

The children of the Caribbean immigrants must not be forgotten. The young generation of West Indians abroad must be aware of the rich heritage and culture of their parents. They must also be encouraged to contribute constructively to the region.

In the 21st century and beyond, there is a dire  need for the Caribbean diaspora to undertake a greater role in rebuilding the region’s image and assisting in the alleviation of problems. It is unfortunate that our region still suffers from such social ills as economic instability, inept political governance and social chaos. Indeed, our developing economies have been victims of colonialism and imperialism. We cannot use this as a permanent excuse for mediocrity or inferiority but must learn from the past and look ahead.

Despite differences in language, political rule and ideology, Cuba and Haiti are part of the Caribbean family. Likewise, the Dutch, French and United States territories such as Martinique, Guadeloupe, Aruba, Curacao and Puerto Rico must not feel alienated.

Latin America is also part of the extended West Indian family. The Caribbean’s interaction with Latin America must not only be limited to trading agreements, sports and attempts at curbing drug trafficking. The elusive quest for regional unity means that our network must include such countries as Brazil, Argentina, Mexico and  Honduras. It is this regional unity which holds the key and provides the forum for addressing and alleviating the crippling social, economic and political problems

Why is there the absence of a West Indian basketball, hockey or football team? Similarly, our West Indian cricket team must be truly reflective of unity and representative of the region. Excellence in sport and the beauty of our culture cannot be selfishly seen as a product of one country or individual. On a similar note, there is need for implementing the ideas and appeals of economists for a single currency in the region.

Our enterprising minds must now take the initiative in mobilizing the efforts and revitalizing the spirit of togetherness. Undoubtedly, this effort will complement the noteworthy and monumental work of such bodies as the ACS, CARIFESTA, CONCACAF and CARICOM.

Every year on June 30th, let West Indians join hands across the seas and over continents to overcome geographical, racial/ethnic, religious and class barriers. The Caribbean has proven to be the workshop of the world with its abundance of talent and innovation. Thus, let us continue to aspire for the materialization of Pan-Caribbean efforts of harmony and unity. Celebrate our uniqueness and achievements be it cuisine, music, dance, inventions, ideologies, language, leaders, mode of life or literature.