CARICOM: Caribbean Community’s Post

So, I’ve run away to Guyana… but more on that in another post! 😉 While there, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Headquarters of the CARICOM: Caribbean Community Secretariat. It was a truly memorable experience—almost like a self-fulfilling prophecy! During my Master’s program, my dissertation was all about "Unravelling Integration Dynamics: Assessing the Role of CARICOM Institutions in Regional Integration." And here I was, standing in the very place where so much of what I wrote about unfolds daily. Talk about a full-circle moment! My tour of the Secretariat was nothing short of enlightening. I got to stroll through various directorates, explore the Secretariat's library, admire the beautiful gardens, where I even got to harvest some fruits, and peek into the impressive conference facilities and meeting rooms where the Heads of Government of our region gather. I also walked through the Halls of Fame, celebrating outstanding Caribbean nationals, including Saint Lucia's own Sir John Compton and Sir Arthur Lewis, who have been honoured with the Order of the Caribbean Community. But here's a fun fact: no Saint Lucian woman has received the Triennial Award for Women in the region—yet! Hint hint, ladies… let's change that! A huge shoutout to Teshia Jn Baptiste, Project Coordinator at the Caribbean Hub for Capacity Building Related to MEAs in ACP Countries Project at the CARICOM Secretariat, for supporting me during my dissertation and arranging this exclusive tour. Your guidance and friendship mean the world! And a special thanks to Necola S. Meyers (Ms.) for being an exceptional guide and a fountain of knowledge on the Secretariat's work. For someone like me, who continuously dreams of working for and with international organizations, this visit was incredibly inspiring. I’ve had the pleasure of consulting and working on temporary projects with various international organizations, but walking through the halls of the CARICOM Secretariat had me envisioning a future where I’m contributing to projects that drive growth across our region every single day. I am sincerely grateful to all the CARICOM staff I met along the way—they were so welcoming and insightful and passionate about the work they do. I look forward to crossing paths with you all again, whether in these halls or on future projects! Experiences like these are invaluable—they offer a real glimpse into the day-to-day of organizations that often feel distant or out of reach. This visit has only deepened my passion and determination to continue pursuing this path. To anyone out there aiming to make a difference in regional integration or international development, keep dreaming, keep pushing, and who knows—you might find yourself walking these halls too! 🚀 #CARICOM #InternationalDevelopment #RegionalIntegration #CareerGoals #Inspiration #SaintLucia #Guyana #Opportunities #Networking #Gratitude