CARICOM Secretariat Headquarters: History and Development
The CARICOM Secretariat, the central administrative body of the Caribbean Community, has evolved from its modest beginnings to a modern facility designed to support regional integration. Its physical journey reflects the growth of the organization and the international cooperation that sustains it.
The Original Home: Colgrain House
Before moving to its current location, the CARICOM Secretariat—and its precursor, the CARIFTA Secretariat (Caribbean Free Trade Association)—was based at Colgrain House on Camp Street in Georgetown, Guyana. The arrangement was split by function: the southern half of the building served as the administrative offices, while the northern half provided the official residence for the Secretary-General.
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The Transition to a Modern Complex
To better serve the needs of the region, a new headquarters was planned with significant financial assistance from the governments and people of Japan and India. This international support paved the way for a facility capable of handling the increasing information and administrative needs of both the staff and the general public.
Construction Timeline
The development of the new site at Liliendaal / Turkeyen followed a structured timeline over several years:
- February 25, 1998: Ground was officially broken for the new headquarters.
- May 2001: Construction commenced, undertaken by the firm S. Alimuddin Mohammed (S.A.) Nabi & Sons.
- February 19, 2005: The building was officially commissioned during an inauguration ceremony.
- July 15, 2005: The facility was formally handed over to the CARICOM Secretariat.
- July 26, 2006: The Secretariat officially commenced operations at the new site.
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Key Facts
- Location: The current headquarters is situated in Liliendaal / Turkeyen, Georgetown, Guyana.
- Funding: Financial support was provided by Japan and India.
- Contractor: The building was constructed by S. Alimuddin Mohammed (S.A.) Nabi & Sons.
- Original Site: Colgrain House on Camp Street served as the first headquarters.
- Operational Date: The current facility became operational on July 26, 2006.
Headquarters Summary
| Feature | Original Headquarters | Current Headquarters |
|---|---|---|
| Building Name/Location | Colgrain House, Camp Street | Liliendaal / Turkeyen |
| Primary Use | Offices and Secretary-General Residence | Administrative and Public Information Complex |
| Construction Firm | N/A | S. Alimuddin Mohammed (S.A.) Nabi & Sons |
| Key Benefactors | N/A | Japan and India |
Frequently Asked Questions
Where was the CARICOM Secretariat originally located?
The original headquarters was located at Colgrain House on Camp Street in Georgetown, Guyana, which also housed the CARIFTA Secretariat.
Who funded the construction of the new headquarters?
The construction of the new headquarters was made possible through financial assistance from the governments and people of Japan and India.
When did the Secretariat begin operating in the Liliendaal / Turkeyen building?
The Secretariat officially commenced operations in the new building on July 26, 2006.
Which company was responsible for building the current headquarters?
The construction was carried out by the firm S. Alimuddin Mohammed (S.A.) Nabi & Sons.
What was the purpose of the northern half of Colgrain House?
The northern half of Colgrain House was used as the official residence of the Secretary-General.