As the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) marks its 52nd anniversary, the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) has issued a powerful message calling for the regional body to return to its founding principles and recommit to the people it was created to serve.
Describing the anniversary as “not only a moment for celebration, but a solemn opportunity for reflection,” the GTUC reminded the region of the bold vision shared by CARICOM’s four founding leaders—Forbes Burnham (Guyana), Errol Barrow (Barbados), Michael Manley (Jamaica), and Dr. Eric Williams (Trinidad and Tobago). Their shared goal, the GTUC said, was regional integration rooted in political empowerment, social justice, cultural solidarity, and shared economic prosperity.
“CARICOM has drifted from its roots,” the GTUC declared in its statement, adding that the original promise of participatory democracy and people-centered governance has been replaced by political self-interest and elite preservation.
The trade union body was especially critical of CARICOM’s silence on electoral reform in Guyana, even after its intervention in the country’s disputed 2020 general elections.
CARICOM in its report noted that “As a minimum condition for electoral reform, the team recommends the urgent total re-registration of all voters in Guyana. Given the state of voter registration, it is clear that Guyana was not adequately prepared for the 2020 elections. Although circumstances beyond the Commission’s control contributed to this lack of preparedness, it is crucial that the Commission establish a new voter registry. The suspicion that the 2020 register was bloated is not without merit” (p50).
The GTUC highlighted the continued calls by Guyanese citizens for a clean voters’ list and biometric voter verification ahead of the 2025 elections.
“This silence is not neutral. It is betrayal,” the GTUC stated. “You cannot champion democracy when it suits you, and then turn your back when democracy is at risk.”
The organisation further expressed alarm over the growing disconnect between Caribbean governments and their people, accusing regional leaders of being consumed by power and privilege while neglecting the social and economic struggles of ordinary citizens.
Guyana’s oil wealth, once seen as a potential game-changer for regional development, was singled out as a source of growing inequality. “Opportunities that should empower Caribbean citizens are now captured by oligarchs and insiders. And CARICOM has looked the other way,” the GTUC lamented.
In its call to action, the GTUC urged CARICOM to:
- Renew its commitment to democratic accountability and transparency;
- Publicly support electoral reform in Guyana, including a clean voters’ list and biometric verification;
- Prioritize economic justice for the working class across the Caribbean;
- And implement decisions that promote true integration and people-first governance.
“Let this anniversary not pass as just another ceremony,” the GTUC urged. “Let it mark a turning point—back to the principles of service, equity, democracy, and regional unity that once defined CARICOM.”
As it concluded its message, the GTUC reaffirmed its solidarity with the Guyanese people and the region’s working class, pledging to continue speaking out “where others remain silent.”
“Happy 52nd Anniversary, CARICOM. May this be the year we reclaim our original promise.”
See full statement below:
GTUC Message on CARICOM’s 52nd Anniversary
– “Rededicate to the People, Reclaim the Vision”
On the occasion of the 52nd anniversary of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Guyana Trades Union Congress (GTUC) extends greetings to the peoples of the region. This anniversary presents not only a moment for celebration, but a solemn opportunity for reflection—on our collective journey, and on the values that inspired CARICOM’s founding.
CARICOM was birthed from the vision of four Caribbean leaders:
- Forbes Burnham- Prime Minister of Guyana,
- Errol Barrow- Prime Minister of Barbados,
- Michael Manley- Prime Minister of Jamaica, and
- Dr. Eric Williams- Prime Minister of Trinidad and Tobago.
These leaders were driven not by narrow political interests, but by a bold philosophy: that regional integration was the key to empowering Caribbean people politically, economically, socially, and culturally. Their vision called for shared prosperity, participatory democracy, and regional solidarity in the face of global inequities.
Today, as we mark 52 years since the signing of the Treaty of Chaguaramas, the GTUC is compelled to say: CARICOM has drifted from its roots.
We are especially disappointed in CARICOM’s failure to stand with the Guyanese people in their ongoing call for electoral reform. Despite intervening in Guyana’s 2020 general elections, CARICOM has since remained silent as citizens call for the cleaning of the voters’ list and the introduction of biometric voter verification—essential steps to ensuring free, fair, and credible elections.
This silence is not neutral. It is betrayal.
We remind CARICOM: you cannot champion democracy when it suits you, and then turn your back when democracy is at risk. The same regional voice that stood tall five years ago has gone missing in 2025, at a time when the Guyanese electorate is preparing for critical elections.
The GTUC also expresses grave concern that across the region, political leadership has become preoccupied with power, personal gain, and protection of privilege, rather than honouring the aspirations of our founding fathers or addressing the needs of the people. Integration is now a slogan, not a shared mission.
Meanwhile, Guyana’s oil wealth, once seen as a beacon of regional upliftment, has instead created deeper inequality, enriching a few while the majority struggle. Opportunities that should empower Caribbean citizens are now captured by oligarchs and insiders. And CARICOM has looked the other way.
As we observe this 52nd anniversary, the GTUC calls on CARICOM to rededicate itself to the people. We urge:
- A renewed focus on democratic accountability and transparency;
- Clear, public support for electoral reforms in Guyana, including a clean voters’ list and biometrics;
- Commitment to the economic upliftment of the Caribbean working class, not just the political elite;
- And the implementation of decisions made in the interest of integration and people-first governance.
Let this anniversary not pass as just another ceremony. Let it mark a turning point—back to the principles of service, equity, democracy, and regional unity that once defined CARICOM.
GTUC stands firmly with the Guyanese people and the working people across this region. We will continue to speak out where others remain silent.
Happy 52nd Anniversary, CARICOM. May this be the year we reclaim our original promise.
