Belize Makes 52 Years in CARICOM; ‘It’s About People and Opportunity’

Belize has been a CARICOM member for 52 years. But how many young Belizeans know what that actually means for them?

That question sat at the centre of a panel discussion held Tuesday in Belmopan, where students, young professionals, and educators gathered to explore what regional integration offers beyond policy and paperwork.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade hosted the event as part of CARICOM Week 2026, under the theme “Your Future, Your Region”.

Minister of State for Foreign Trade Hon. Marconi Leal Jr delivered the welcome remarks and celebrated Belize’s membership since 1974. He said Belize’s commitment to CARICOM goes beyond policy and trade. The cooperation is “about people and the opportunities created through collective regional development”, a government statement read.

PanelPanellistsed personal career experiences and discussed pathways in education, entrepreneurship, skills development, and professional mobility across the Caribbean.